GLP-1 receptor agonists and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are 6-carboxylic acids of benzimidazoles and 4-aza-, 5-aza-, 7-aza- and 4,7-diaza-benzimidazoles as GLP-1R agonists, processes to make said compounds, and methods comprising administering said compounds to a mammal in need thereof.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/085,534, filed Oct. 30, 2020, which in turn is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/861,646 filed Apr. 29, 2020, issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,851,081, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/220,184 filed Dec. 14, 2018, issued as U.S. Pat.No. 10,669,259, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/839,901, filed Dec. 13, 2017, issued as U.S.Pat. No. 10,208,019, which in turn claims the benefit of priority toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/435,533, filed Dec. 16, 2016,the disclosure of each of the foregoing applications is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Provided herein are 6-carboxylic acids of benzimidazoles and 4-aza-,5-aza-, 7-aza-, and 4,7-diaza-benzimidazoles as GLP-1R agonists,processes to make said compounds, and methods comprising administeringsaid compounds to a mammal in need thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diabetes is a major public health concern because of its increasingprevalence and associated health risks. The disease is characterized byhigh levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulinproduction, insulin action, or both. Two major forms of diabetes arerecognized, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) develops when thebody's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells inthe body that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose. Tosurvive, people with Type 1 diabetes must have insulin administered byinjection or a pump. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (referred to generally asT2DM) usually begins with either insulin resistance or when there isinsufficient production of insulin to maintain an acceptable glucoselevel.

Currently, various pharmacological approaches are available for treatinghyperglycemia and subsequently, T2DM (Hampp, C. et al. Use ofAntidiabetic Drugs in the U.S., 2003-2012, Diabetes Care 2014, 37,1367-1374). These may be grouped into six major classes, each actingthrough a different primary mechanism: (A) Insulin secretogogues,including sulphonyl-ureas (e.g., glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide),meglitinides (e.g., nateglidine, repaglinide), dipeptidyl peptidase IV(DPP-IV) inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin, vildagliptin, alogliptin,dutogliptin, linagliptin, saxogliptin), and glucagon-like peptide-1receptor (GLP-1R) agonists (e.g., liraglutide, albiglutide, exenatide,lixisenatide, dulaglutide, semaglutide), which enhance secretion ofinsulin by acting on the pancreatic beta-cells. Sulphonyl-ureas andmeglitinides have limited efficacy and tolerability, cause weight gainand often induce hypoglycemia. DPP-IV inhibitors have limited efficacy.Marketed GLP-1R agonists are peptides administered by subcutaneousinjection. Liraglutide is additionally approved for the treatment ofobesity. (B) Biguanides (e.g., metformin) are thought to act primarilyby decreasing hepatic glucose production. Biguanides often causegastrointestinal disturbances and lactic acidosis, further limitingtheir use. (C) Inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase (e.g., acarbose) decreaseintestinal glucose absorption. These agents often cause gastrointestinaldisturbances. (D) Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)act on a specific receptor (peroxisome proliferator-activatedreceptor-gamma) in the liver, muscle and fat tissues. They regulatelipid metabolism subsequently enhancing the response of these tissues tothe actions of insulin. Frequent use of these drugs may lead to weightgain and may induce edema and anemia. (E) Insulin is used in more severecases, either alone or in combination with the above agents, andfrequent use may also lead to weight gain and carries a risk ofhypoglycemia. (F) sodium-glucose linked transporter cotransporter 2(SGLT2) inhibitors (e.g., dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin,ertugliflozin) inhibit reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys andthereby lower glucose levels in the blood. This emerging class of drugsmay be associated with ketoacidosis and urinary tract infections.

However, with the exception of GLP-1R agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, thedrugs have limited efficacy and do not address the most importantproblems, the declining β-cell function and the associated obesity.

Obesity is a chronic disease that is highly prevalent in modern societyand is associated with numerous medical problems including hypertension,hypercholesterolemia, and coronary heart disease. It is further highlycorrelated with T2DM and insulin resistance, the latter of which isgenerally accompanied by hyperinsulinemia or hyperglycemia, or both. Inaddition, T2DM is associated with a two to fourfold increased risk ofcoronary artery disease. Presently, the only treatment that eliminatesobesity with high efficacy is bariatric surgery, but this treatment iscostly and risky. Pharmacological intervention is generally lessefficacious and associated with side effects. There is therefore anobvious need for more efficacious pharmacological intervention withfewer side effects and convenient administration.

Although T2DM is most commonly associated with hyperglycemia and insulinresistance, other diseases associated with T2DM include hepatic insulinresistance, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetic neuropathy, diabeticnephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension,hyperinsulinemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, and is aspectrum of hepatic conditions encompassing steatosis, non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and ultimatelyhepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD and NASH are considered the primaryfatty liver diseases as they account for the greatest proportion ofindividuals with elevated hepatic lipids. The severity of NAFLD/NASH isbased on the presence of lipid, inflammatory cell infiltrate, hepatocyteballooning, and the degree of fibrosis. Although not all individualswith steatosis progress to NASH, a substantial portion does.

GLP-1 is a 30 amino acid long incretin hormone secreted by the L-cellsin the intestine in response to ingestion of food. GLP-1 has been shownto stimulate insulin secretion in a physiological and glucose-dependentmanner, decrease glucagon secretion, inhibit gastric emptying, decreaseappetite, and stimulate proliferation of beta-cells. In non-clinicalexperiments GLP-1 promotes continued beta-cell competence by stimulatingtranscription of genes important for glucose-dependent insulin secretionand by promoting beta-cell neogenesis (Meier, et al. Biodrugs. 2003; 17(2): 93-102).

In a healthy individual, GLP-1 plays an important role regulatingpost-prandial blood glucose levels by stimulating glucose-dependentinsulin secretion by the pancreas resulting in increased glucoseabsorption in the periphery. GLP-1 also suppresses glucagon secretion,leading to reduced hepatic glucose output. In addition, GLP-1 delaysgastric emptying and slows small bowel motility delaying foodabsorption. In people with T2DM, the normal post-prandial rise in GLP-1is absent or reduced (Vilsboll T, et al. Diabetes. 2001. 50; 609-613).

Holst (Physiol. Rev. 2007, 87, 1409) and Meier (Nat. Rev. Endocrinol.2012, 8, 728) describe that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as GLP-1,liraglutide and exendin-4, have 3 major pharmacological activities toimprove glycemic control in patients with T2DM by reducing fasting andpostprandial glucose (FPG and PPG): (i) increased glucose-dependentinsulin secretion (improved first- and second-phase), (ii) glucagonsuppressing activity under hyperglycemic conditions, (iii) delay ofgastric emptying rate resulting in retarded absorption of meal-derivedglucose.

There remains a need for an easily-administered prevention and/ortreatment for cardiometabolic and associated diseases.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns compounds of Formula I

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

-   -   each R¹ is independently halogen, —CN, —C₁₋₃alkyl, or        —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl is        substituted with 0 to 3 F atoms;    -   m is 0, 1, 2, or 3;    -   each R² is independently F, Cl, or —CN;    -   p is 0, 1 or 2;    -   each R³ is independently F, —OH, —CN, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —OC₁₋₃alkyl,        or —C₃₋₄cycloalkyl, or 2 R³s may together cyclize to form        —C₃₋₄spirocycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and        OC₁₋₃alkyl, cycloalkyl, or spirocycloalkyl may be substituted as        valency allows with 0 to 3 F atoms and with 0 to 1 —OH;    -   q is 0, 1, or 2;    -   Y is CH or N;    -   R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₀₋₃alkylene-C₃₋₆cycloalkyl,        —C₀₋₅alkylene-R⁵, or —C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁶,        wherein said alkyl may be substituted as valency allows with 0        to 3 substituents independently selected from 0 to 3 F atoms and        0 to 1 substituent selected from —C₀₋₁alkylene-CN,        —C₀₋₁alkylene-OR^(O), and —N(R^(N))₂, and        wherein said alkylene and cycloalkyl may be independently        substituted as valency allows with 0 to 2 substituents        independently selected from 0 to 2 F atoms and 0 to 1        substituent selected from —C₀₋₁alkylene-CN,        —C₀₋₁alkylene-OR^(O), and —N(R^(N))₂;    -   R⁵ is a 4- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, wherein said        heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituents as        valency allows independently selected from:    -   0 to 1 oxo (═O),    -   0 to 1 —CN,    -   0 to 2 F atoms, and    -   0 to 2 substituents independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyl and        —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may        be substituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency allows        independently selected from:        -   0 to 3 F atoms,        -   0 to 1 —CN, and        -   0 to 1 —OR^(O);    -   R⁶ is a 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl, wherein said heteroaryl may        be substituted with 0 to 2 substituents as valency allows        independently selected from:    -   0 to 2 halogens,    -   0 to 1 substituent selected from —OR^(O) and —N(R^(N))₂, and    -   0 to 2 —C₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be substituted with 0        to 3 substituents as valency allows independently selected from:        -   0 to 3 F atoms, and        -   0 to 1 —OR^(O);    -   each R^(O) is independently H, or —C₁₋₃alkyl, wherein C₁₋₃alkyl        may be substituted with 0 to 3 F atoms;    -   each R^(N) is independently H, or —C₁₋₃alkyl;    -   Z¹ is CH or N; Z² and Z³ are each independently —CR^(Z) or N,        provided that when Z¹ or Z³ is N, Z² is —CR^(Z); and    -   each R^(Z) is independently H, F, Cl, or —CH₃.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

-   -   m is 0 or 1;    -   R² is F;    -   p is 0, or 1; and    -   q is 0 or 1.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I or II, wherein

-   -   m is 0 or 1;    -   q is 0 or 1; and    -   R³ is —F, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OH, —CF₃, isopropyl, or        cyclopropyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formula III

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

-   -   m is 0 or 1;    -   R² is F;    -   p is 0, or 1;    -   R³ is —C₁₋₂alkyl, wherein —C₁₋₂alkyl may be substituted as        valency allows with 0 to 3 F atoms; and    -   q is 0 or 1.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereineach R¹ is independently F, Cl, —CN, —CH₃, or —CF₃, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein

-   -   R³ is —CH₃;    -   q is 0 or 1; and    -   R⁴ is —CH₂CH₂OCH₃, C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁵, or C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁶, or a        pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein

-   -   R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵, wherein R⁵ is the 4- to 5-membered        heterocycloalkyl, wherein said heterocycloalkyl may be        substituted with 0 to 2 substituents as valency allows        independently selected from:    -   0 to 2 F atoms, and    -   0 to 1 substituent selected from —OCH₃ and —CH₂OCH₃;        or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereinthe heterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituentsas valency allows, e.g., replacing hydrogen, independently selectedfrom:

-   -   0 to 1 oxo (O═),    -   0 to 1 —CN,    -   0 to 2 F atoms, and    -   0 to 2 substituents independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyl and        —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may        be independently substituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency        allows independently selected from:        -   0 to 3 F atoms,        -   0 to 1 —CN, and        -   0 to 1 —OR^(O),            or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereinthe heterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituentsas valency allows, e.g., replacing hydrogen, independently selectedfrom:

-   -   0 to 1 —CN,    -   0 to 2 F atoms, and    -   0 to 2 substituents independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyl and        —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may        be independently substituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency        allows independently selected from:        -   0 to 3 F atoms,        -   0 to 1 —CN, and        -   0 to 1 —OR^(O), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt            thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereinthe heterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 1 substituentas valency allows, e.g., replacing hydrogen, selected from:

-   -   —CN,    -   F atom, and    -   0 to 1 substituent independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyl and        —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may        be substituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency allows        independently selected from:        -   0 to 3 F atoms,        -   0 to 1 —CN, and        -   0 to 1 —OR⁰, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereinthe heterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is

and wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 1substituent as valency allows, e.g., replacing hydrogen, selected from:

-   -   —CN,    -   F atom, and    -   0 to 1 substituent independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyl and        —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may        be substituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency allows with:        -   0 to 3 F atoms,        -   0 to 1 —CN, or        -   0 to 1 —OR^(O), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt            thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereinthe heterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is

and wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted as valency allowswith 0 to 1 methyl, wherein said methyl may be substituted with 0 to 3 Fatoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds independently selected from one orany combination of the following:

-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2R)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[4-(6-{[(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)(methyl-d2)]oxy}pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(2,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(2,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(3R)-tetrahydrofuran-3-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(3R)-tetrahydrofuran-3-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(3S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2R)-tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2R)-tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(2,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(2,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid; or-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;    or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns a compound that is2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns a compound that is2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns a compound that is2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment is the tris salt of2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid.

Another embodiment is the free acid of2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid.

Another embodiment concerns a compound that is2-{[4-(6-{[(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)(methyl-d2)]oxy}pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns a compound that is2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein

-   -   R₄ is —CH₂—R⁶, wherein R⁶ is the 5-membered heteroaryl, wherein        said heteroaryl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituents as        valency allows independently selected from:    -   0 to 2 halogens, wherein the halogen is independently selected        from F and Cl,    -   0 to 1 —OCH₃, and    -   0 to 1 —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CF₃, or —CH₂CH₂OCH₃;        or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereinthe heteroaryl of R⁶ is a monovalent radical of

wherein said heteroaryl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituents asvalency allows, e.g., replacing hydrogen, independently selected from:

-   -   0 to 2 halogens, wherein the halogen is independently selected        from F and Cl,    -   0 to 1 substituent selected from —OR^(O) and —N(R^(N))₂, or    -   0 to 2 —C₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be substituted with 0        to 3 substituents as valency allows independently selected from:        -   0 to 3 F atoms, and        -   0 to 1 —OR^(O);            or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereinthe heteroaryl of R⁶ is a monovalent radical of

wherein said heteroaryl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituents asvalency allows, e.g., replacing hydrogen, independently selected from:

-   -   0 to 2 halogens, wherein the halogen is independently selected        from F and C,    -   0 to 1 substituent selected from —OR^(O) and —N(R^(N))₂, or    -   0 to 2 —C₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be substituted with 0        to 3 substituents as valency allows independently selected from:        -   0 to 3 F atoms, and        -   0 to 1 —OR^(O);            or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, whereinthe heteroaryl is

wherein C₁₋₃ alkyl on said heteroaryl may be substituted with 0 to 3substituents as valency allows, e.g., replacing hydrogen, independentlyselected from:

-   -   0 to 3 F atoms, and    -   0 to 1 —OR^(O);        or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds independently selected from one orany combination of the following:

-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(2,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(2,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(2,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,2-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,2-oxazol-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid; or-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic    acid;    or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds independently selected from one orany combination of the following:

-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid; or-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;    or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds independently selected from one orany combination of the following:

-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-7-fluoro-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-7-fluoro-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid;-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic    acid; or-   2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methoxycyclobutyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic;    or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein Z¹, Z², and Z³ are eachCR^(Z), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein R^(Z) is H, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein Z¹, Z², and Z³ are each CH,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein p is 0 or 1; and R² is F.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein R³ is —CH₃, or —CF₃; and qis 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein each R¹ is independently F,Cl, or —CN, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein R₄ is —CH₂—R⁵, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, wherein R₄ is —CH₂—R⁶, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment concerns compounds of other embodiments herein, e.g.,compounds of Formula I, II, or III, wherein the compound is the freeacid.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of Formulas I, II, or III, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as defined in any of theembodiments described herein, in admixture with at least onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The invention also includes the following embodiments:

a compound of Formulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, as defined in any of the embodiments described herein, foruse as a medicament;

a compound of Formulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, as defined in any of the embodiments described herein, foruse in the prevention and/or treatment of cardiometabolic and associateddiseases discussed herein, including T2DM, pre-diabetes, NASH, andcardiovascular disease;

a method of treating a disease for which an agonist of GLP-1R isindicated, in a subject in need of such prevention and/or treatment,comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of Formulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, as defined in any of the embodiments describedherein;

the use of a compound of Formulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, as defined in any of the embodiments describedherein, for the manufacture of a medicament for treating a disease orcondition for which an agonist of the GLP-1R is indicated;

a compound of Formulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, as defined in any of the embodiments described herein, foruse in the treatment of a disease or condition for which an agonist ofGLP-1R is indicated; or

a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a disease or conditionfor which an agonist of the GLP-1R is indicated, comprising a compoundof Formulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, as defined in any of the embodiments described herein.

Every Example or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be claimedindividually or grouped together in any combination with any number ofeach and every embodiment described herein.

The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound of Formulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, as defined in any of the embodiments described herein, foruse in the treatment and/or prevention of cardiometabolic and associateddiseases discussed herein, including T2DM, pre-diabetes, NASH, andcardiovascular disease.

Another embodiment of the invention concerns a compound of Formulas I,II, or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as defined inany of the embodiments described herein, for use in the treatment and/ortreatment for cardiometabolic and associated diseases including diabetes(T1D and/or T2DM, including pre-diabetes), idiopathic T1D (Type 1b),latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), early-onset T2DM (EOD),youth-onset atypical diabetes (YOAD), maturity onset diabetes of theyoung (MODY), malnutrition-related diabetes, gestational diabetes,hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hepatic insulin resistance, impairedglucose tolerance, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, kidneydisease (e.g., acute kidney disorder, tubular dysfunction,proinflammatory changes to the proximal tubules), diabetic retinopathy,adipocyte dysfunction, visceral adipose deposition, sleep apnea, obesity(including hypothalamic obesity and monogenic obesity) and relatedcomorbidities (e.g., osteoarthritis and urine incontinence), eatingdisorders (including binge eating syndrome, bulimia nervosa, andsyndromic obesity such as Prader-Willi and Bardet-Biedl syndromes),weight gain from use of other agents (e.g., from use of steroids andantipsychotics), excessive sugar craving, dyslipidemia (includinghyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased total cholesterol, highLDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol), hyperinsulinemia, NAFLD(including related diseases such as steatosis, NASH, fibrosis,cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma), cardiovascular disease,atherosclerosis (including coronary artery disease), peripheral vasculardisease, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, impaired vascularcompliance, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction (e.g.necrosis and apoptosis), stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke,traumatic brain injury, pulmonary hypertension, restenosis afterangioplasty, intermittent claudication, post-prandial lipemia, metabolicacidosis, ketosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's Disease, leftventricular hypertrophy, peripheral arterial disease, maculardegeneration, cataract, glomerulosclerosis, chronic renal failure,metabolic syndrome, syndrome X, premenstrual syndrome, angina pectoris,thrombosis, atherosclerosis, transient ischemic attacks, vascularrestenosis, impaired glucose metabolism, conditions of impaired fastingplasma glucose, hyperuricemia, gout, erectile dysfunction, skin andconnective tissue disorders, psoriasis, foot ulcerations, ulcerativecolitis, hyper apo B lipoproteinemia, Alzheimer's Disease,schizophrenia, impaired cognition, inflammatory bowel disease, shortbowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome,prevention or treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and treatment ofaddiction (e.g., alcohol and/or drug abuse).

Abbreviations used herein are as follows:

The term “alkyl”, as used herein, means a straight or branched chainmonovalent hydrocarbon group of formula —C_(n)H_((2n+1)). Non-limitingexamples include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-methyl-propyl,1,1-dimethylethyl, pentyl and hexyl.

The term “alkylene”, as used herein, means a straight or branched chaindivalent hydrocarbon group of formula —C_(n)H_(2n)—. Non-limitingexamples include ethylene, and propylene.

The term “cycloalkyl”, as used herein, means a cyclic, monovalenthydrocarbon group of formula —C_(n)H_((2n−1)) containing at least threecarbon atoms. Non-limiting examples include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

The term “halogen”, as used herein, refers to fluoride, chloride,bromide, or iodide.

The term “heterocycloalkyl”, as used herein, refers to a cycloalkylgroup in which one or more of the ring methylene groups (—CH₂—) has beenreplaced with a group selected from —O—, —S— or nitrogen, wherein thenitrogen may provide a point of attachment or may be substituted asprovided within each embodiment. Where nitrogen provides a point ofattachment, a structural drawing of a heterocycloalkyl would have anhydrogen on said nitrogen. Generally, the heterocycloalkyl may besubstituted with 0 to 2 substituents as valency allows independentlyselected from oxo, —CN, halogen, alkyl and —Oalkyl and the alkyl may befurther substituted. One will note that when there is 0 substitution,the heterocycloalkyl is unsubstituted.

The term “heteroaryl”, as used herein, refers to a monocyclic aromatichydrocarbon containing from 5 to 6 carbon atoms in which at least one ofthe ring carbon atoms has been replaced with a heteroatom selected fromoxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. Such a heteroaryl group may be attachedthrough a ring carbon atom or, where valency permits, through a ringnitrogen atom. Generally, the heteroaryl may be substituted with 0 to 2substituents as valency allows independently selected from halogen, OH,alkyl, O-alkyl, and amino (e.g., NH₂, NHalkyl, N(alkyl)₂), and the alkylmay be further substituted. One will note that when there is 0substitution the heteroaryl is unsubstituted.

Room temperature: RT.

Methanol: MeOH.

Ethanol: EtOH.

Isopropanol: iPrOH.

Ethyl acetate: EtOAc.

Tetrahydrofuran: THF.

Toluene: PhCH₃.

Cesium carbonate: Cs₂CO₃.

Lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide: LiHMDS.

Sodium t-butoxide: NaOtBu.

Potassium t-butoxide: KOtBu.

Lithium diisopropylamide: LDA.

Triethylamine: Et₃N.

N,N-diisopropylethyl amine: DIPEA.

Potassium carbonate: K₂CO₃.

Dimethyl formamide: DMF.

Dimethyl acetamide: DMAc.

Dimethyl sulfoxide: DMSO.

N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone: NMP.

Sodium hydride: NaH.

Trifluoroacetic acid: TFA.

Trifluoroacetic anhydride: TFAA.

Acetic anhydride: Ac₂O.

Dichloromethane: DCM.

1,2-Dichloroethane: DCE.

Hydrochloric acid: HCl.

1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene: DBU.

Borane-dimethylsulfide complex: BH₃-DMS.

Borane-tetrahydrofuran complex: BH₃-THF.

Lithium aluminum hydride: LAH.

Acetic acid: AcOH.

Acetonitrile: MeCN.

p-Toluenesulfonic acid: pTSA.

Dibenzylidine acetone: DBA.

2,2′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthalene: BINAP.

1,1′-Ferrocenediyl-bis(diphenylphosphine): dppf.

1,3-Bis(diphenylphosphino)propane: DPPP.

3-Chloroperbenzoic acid: m-CPBA.

Tert-Butyl methyl ether: MTBE.

Methanesulfonyl: Ms.

N-Methylpyrrolidinone: NMP.

Thin layer chromatography: TLC.

Supercritical fluid chromatography: SFC.

4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine: DMAP.

Tert-Butyloxycarbonyl: Boc.

1-[Bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b]pyridinium3-oxidhexafluorophosphate: HATU.

Petroleum ether: PE.

2-(1H-Benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate: HBTU.

2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol: tris.

tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium: Pd₂(dba)₃

¹H Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were in all cases consistentwith the proposed structures. Characteristic chemical shifts (6) aregiven in parts-per-million relative to the residual proton signal in thedeuterated solvent (CHCl₃ at 7.27 ppm; CD₂HOD at 3.31 ppm; MeCN at 1.94ppm; DMSO at 2.50 ppm) and are reported using conventional abbreviationsfor designation of major peaks: e.g. s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet;q, quartet; m, multiplet; br, broad. ¹H NMR spectra were obtained withfield strengths of 400 or 600 MHz if not stated.

As used herein, a wavy line, “

” denotes a point of attachment of a substituent to another group.

The compounds and intermediates described below were named using thenaming convention provided with ChemBioDraw Ultra, Version 13.0(CambridgeSoft Corp., Cambridge, Mass.) or ACD/Labs, Version 12(Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc., Toronto, Ontario). The namingconventions provided with ChemBioDraw Ultra, Version 13.0 and ACD/Labs,Version 12 are well known by those skilled in the art and it is believedthat the naming conventions provided with ChemBioDraw Ultra, Version13.0 and ACD/Labs, Version 12 generally comports with the IUPAC(International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry) recommendations onNomenclature of Organic Chemistry and the CAS Index rules. One will notethat the chemical names may have only parentheses or may haveparentheses and brackets. The stereochemical descriptors may also beplaced different locations within the name itself, depending on thenaming convention. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize theseformatting variations and understand they provide the same chemicalstructure.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of Formula I includeacid addition and base salts.

Suitable acid addition salts are formed from acids which form non-toxicsalts. Examples include the acetate, adipate, aspartate, benzoate,besylate, bicarbonate/carbonate, bisulfate/sulfate, borate, camsylate,citrate, cyclamate, edisylate, esylate, formate, fumarate, gluceptate,gluconate, glucuronate, hexafluorophosphate, hibenzate,hydrochloride/chloride, hydrobromide/bromide, hydroiodide/iodide,isethionate, lactate, malate, maleate, malonate, mesylate,methylsulfate, naphthylate, 2-napsylate, nicotinate, nitrate, orotate,oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, phosphate/hydrogen phosphate/dihydrogenphosphate, pyroglutamate, saccharate, stearate, succinate, tannate,tartrate, tosylate, trifluoroacetate, 1,5-naphathalenedisulfonic acidand xinafoate salts.

Suitable base salts are formed from bases which form non-toxic salts.Examples include the aluminium, arginine, benzathine, calcium, choline,diethylamine, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine (diolamine), glycine, lysine,magnesium, meglumine, 2-aminoethanol (olamine), potassium, sodium,2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol (tris or tromethamine) andzinc salts.

Hemisalts of acids and bases may also be formed, for example,hemisulfate and hemicalcium salts. For a review on suitable salts, seeHandbook of Pharmaceutical Salts: Properties, Selection, and Use byStahl and Wermuth (Wiley-VCH, 2002).

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula I may beprepared by one or more of three methods:

-   (i) by reacting the compound of Formula I with the desired acid or    base;-   (ii) by removing an acid- or base-labile protecting group from a    suitable precursor of the compound of Formula I or by ring-opening a    suitable cyclic precursor, for example, a lactone or lactam, using    the desired acid or base; or-   (iii) by converting one salt of the compound of Formula I to another    by reaction with an appropriate acid or base or by means of a    suitable ion exchange column.

All three reactions are typically carried out in solution. The resultingsalt may precipitate out and be collected by filtration or may berecovered by evaporation of the solvent. The degree of ionisation in theresulting salt may vary from completely ionised to almost non-ionised.

The compounds of Formula I, and pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof, may exist in unsolvated and solvated forms. The term ‘solvate’is used herein to describe a molecular complex comprising the compoundof Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one ormore pharmaceutically acceptable solvent molecules, for example,ethanol. The term ‘hydrate’ is employed when said solvent is water.

A currently accepted classification system for organic hydrates is onethat defines isolated site, channel, or metal-ion coordinatedhydrates—see Polymorphism in Pharmaceutical Solids by K. R. Morris (Ed.H. G. Brittain, Marcel Dekker, 1995). Isolated site hydrates are ones inwhich the water molecules are isolated from direct contact with eachother by intervening organic molecules. In channel hydrates, the watermolecules lie in lattice channels where they are next to other watermolecules. In metal-ion coordinated hydrates, the water molecules arebonded to the metal ion.

When the solvent or water is tightly bound, the complex may have awell-defined stoichiometry independent of humidity. When, however, thesolvent or water is weakly bound, as in channel solvates and hygroscopiccompounds, the water/solvent content may be dependent on humidity anddrying conditions. In such cases, non-stoichiometry will be the norm.

Also included within the scope of the invention are multi-componentcomplexes (other than salts and solvates) wherein the drug and at leastone other component are present in stoichiometric or non-stoichiometricamounts. Complexes of this type include clathrates (drug-host inclusioncomplexes) and co-crystals. The latter are typically defined ascrystalline complexes of neutral molecular constituents which are boundtogether through non-covalent interactions, but could also be a complexof a neutral molecule with a salt. Co-crystals may be prepared by meltcrystallisation, by recrystallisation from solvents, or by physicallygrinding the components together—see Chem Commun, 17, 1889-1896, by O.Almarsson and M. J. Zaworotko (2004). For a general review ofmulti-component complexes, see J Pharm Sci, 64 (8), 1269-1288, byHaleblian (August 1975).

The compounds of the invention may exist in a continuum of solid statesranging from fully amorphous to fully crystalline. The term ‘amorphous’refers to a state in which the material lacks long range order at themolecular level and, depending upon temperature, may exhibit thephysical properties of a solid or a liquid. Typically such materials donot give distinctive X-ray diffraction patterns and, while exhibitingthe properties of a solid, are more formally described as a liquid. Uponheating, a change from solid to liquid properties occurs which ischaracterised by a change of state, typically second order (‘glasstransition’). The term ‘crystalline’ refers to a solid phase in whichthe material has a regular ordered internal structure at the molecularlevel and gives a distinctive X-ray diffraction pattern with definedpeaks. Such materials when heated sufficiently will also exhibit theproperties of a liquid, but the change from solid to liquid ischaracterised by a phase change, typically first order (‘meltingpoint’).

The compounds of Formula I may also exist in a mesomorphic state(mesophase or liquid crystal) when subjected to suitable conditions. Themesomorphic state is intermediate between the true crystalline state andthe true liquid state (either melt or solution). Mesomorphism arising asthe result of a change in temperature is described as ‘thermotropic’ andthat resulting from the addition of a second component, such as water oranother solvent, is described as ‘lyotropic’.

Compounds that have the potential to form lyotropic mesophases aredescribed as ‘amphiphilic’ and consist of molecules which possess anionic (such as —COO—Na⁺, —COO—K⁺, or —SO₃—Na⁺) or non-ionic (such as—N⁻N⁺(CH₃)₃) polar head group. For more information, see Crystals andthe Polarizing Microscope by N. H. Hartshorne and A. Stuart, 4^(th)Edition (Edward Arnold, 1970).

The compounds of Formula I may exhibit polymorphism and/or one or morekinds of isomerism (e.g. optical, geometric or tautomeric isomerism).The compounds of Formula I may also be isotopically labelled. Suchvariation is implicit to the compounds of Formula I defined as they areby reference to their structural features and therefore within the scopeof the invention.

Compounds of Formula I containing one or more asymmetric carbon atomscan exist as two or more stereoisomers. Where a compound of Formula Icontains an alkenyl or alkenylene group, geometric cis/trans (or Z/E)isomers are possible. Where structural isomers are interconvertible viaa low energy barrier, tautomeric isomerism (‘tautomerism’) can occur.This can take the form of proton tautomerism in compounds of Formula Icontaining, for example, an imino, keto, or oxime group, or so-calledvalence tautomerism in compounds which contain an aromatic moiety. Itfollows that a single compound may exhibit more than one type ofisomerism.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula I may alsocontain a counterion which is optically active (e.g. d-lactate orl-lysine) or racemic (e.g. dl-tartrate or dl-arginine).

Cis/trans isomers may be separated by conventional techniques well knownto those skilled in the art, for example, chromatography and fractionalcrystallisation.

Conventional techniques for the preparation/isolation of individualenantiomers include chiral synthesis from a suitable optically pureprecursor or resolution of the racemate (or the racemate of a salt orderivative) using, for example, chiral high pressure liquidchromatography (HPLC). Alternatively, the racemate (or a racemicprecursor) may be reacted with a suitable optically active compound, forexample, an alcohol, or, in the case where the compound of Formula Icontains an acidic or basic moiety, a base or acid such as1-phenylethylamine or tartaric acid. The resulting diastereomericmixture may be separated by chromatography and/or fractionalcrystallization and one or both of the diastereoisomers converted to thecorresponding pure enantiomer(s) by means well known to a skilledperson. Chiral compounds of Formula I (and chiral precursors thereof)may be obtained in enantiomerically-enriched form using chromatography,typically HPLC, on an asymmetric resin with a mobile phase consisting ofa hydrocarbon, typically heptane or hexane, containing from 0 to 50% byvolume of isopropanol, typically from 2% to 20%, and from 0 to 5% byvolume of an alkylamine, typically 0.1% diethylamine. Concentration ofthe eluate affords the enriched mixture. Chiral chromatography usingsub- and supercritical fluids may be employed. Methods for chiralchromatography useful in some embodiments of the present invention areknown in the art (see, for example, Smith, Roger M., LoughboroughUniversity, Loughborough, UK; Chromatographic Science Series (1998), 75(Supercritical Fluid Chromatography with Packed Columns), pp. 223-249and references cited therein). In some relevant examples herein, columnswere obtained from Chiral Technologies, Inc, West Chester, Pa., USA, asubsidiary of Daicel® Chemical Industries, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.

When any racemate crystallises, crystals of two different types arepossible. The first type is the racemic compound (true racemate)referred to above wherein one homogeneous form of crystal is producedcontaining both enantiomers in equimolar amounts. The second type is theracemic mixture or conglomerate wherein two forms of crystal areproduced in equimolar amounts each comprising a single enantiomer. Whileboth of the crystal forms present in a racemic mixture have identicalphysical properties, they may have different physical propertiescompared to the true racemate. Racemic mixtures may be separated byconventional techniques known to those skilled in the art—see, forexample, Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds by E. L. Eliel and S. H.Wilen (Wiley, 1994).

It must be emphasised that the compounds of Formula I have been drawnherein in a single tautomeric form, all possible tautomeric forms areincluded within the scope of the invention.

The present invention includes all pharmaceutically acceptableisotopically-labeled compounds of Formula I wherein one or more atomsare replaced by atoms having the same atomic number, but an atomic massor mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number whichpredominates in nature.

Examples of isotopes suitable for inclusion in the compounds of theinvention include isotopes of hydrogen, such as ²H and ³H, carbon, suchas ¹¹C, ¹³C and ¹⁴C, chlorine, such as ³⁶Cl, fluorine, such as ¹⁸F,iodine, such as ¹²³I and ¹²⁵I, nitrogen, such as ¹³N and ¹⁵N, oxygen,such as ¹⁵O, ¹⁷O and ¹⁸O, phosphorus, such as ³²P, and sulfur, such as³⁵S.

Certain isotopically-labelled compounds of Formula I, for example thoseincorporating a radioactive isotope, are useful in drug and/or substratetissue distribution studies. The radioactive isotopes tritium, i.e. ³H,and carbon-14, i.e. ¹⁴C, are particularly useful for this purpose inview of their ease of incorporation and ready means of detection.

Substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium, i.e. ²H, mayafford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolicstability, for example, increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosagerequirements.

Substitution with positron emitting isotopes, such as ¹¹C, ¹⁸F, ¹⁵O and¹³N, can be useful in Positron Emission Topography (PET) studies forexamining substrate receptor occupancy.

Isotopically-labeled compounds of Formula I can generally be prepared byconventional techniques known to those skilled in the art or byprocesses analogous to those described in the accompanying Examples andPreparations using an appropriate isotopically-labeled reagent in placeof the non-labeled reagent previously employed.

Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates in accordance with the inventioninclude those wherein the solvent of crystallization may be isotopicallysubstituted, e.g. D₂O, d₆-acetone, d₆-DMSO.

One way of carrying out the invention is to administer a compound ofFormula I in the form of a prodrug. Thus, certain derivatives of acompound of Formula I which may have little or no pharmacologicalactivity themselves can, when administered into or onto the body, beconverted into a compound of Formula I having the desired activity, forexample by hydrolytic cleavage, particularly hydrolytic cleavagepromoted by an esterase or peptidase enzyme. Such derivatives arereferred to as ‘prodrugs’. Further information on the use of prodrugsmay be found in ‘Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems’, Vol. 14, ACSSymposium Series (T. Higuchi and W. Stella) and ‘Bioreversible Carriersin Drug Design’, Pergamon Press, 1987 (Ed. E. B. Roche, AmericanPharmaceutical Association). Reference can also be made to NatureReviews/Drug Discovery, 2008, 7, 355 and Current Opinion in DrugDiscovery and Development, 2007, 10, 550.

Prodrugs in accordance with the invention can, for example, be producedby replacing appropriate functionalities present in the compounds ofFormula I with certain moieties known to those skilled in the art as‘pro-moieties’ as described, for example, in ‘Design of Prodrugs’ by H.Bundgaard (Elsevier, 1985) and Y. M. Choi-Sledeski and C. G. Wermuth,‘Designing Prodrugs and Bioprecursors’ in Practice of MedicinalChemistry, (Fourth Edition), Chapter 28, 657-696 (Elsevier, 2015).

Thus, a prodrug in accordance with the invention is (a) an ester oramide derivative of a carboxylic acid in a compound of Formula I; (b) anester, carbonate, carbamate, phosphate or ether derivative of a hydroxylgroup in a compound of Formula I; (c) an amide, imine, carbamate oramine derivative of an amino group in a compound form Formula I; (d) anoxime or imine derivative of a carbonyl group in a compound of FormulaI; or (e) a methyl, primary alcohol or aldehyde group that can bemetabolically oxidized to a carboxylic acid in a compound of Formula I.

Some specific examples of prodrugs in accordance with the inventioninclude:

-   (i) where the compound of Formula I contains a carboxylic acid    functionality (—COOH), an ester thereof, such as a compound wherein    the hydrogen of the carboxylic acid functionality of the compound of    Formula I is replaced by C₁-C₈ alkyl (e.g. ethyl) or (C₁-C₈    alkyl)C(═O)OCH₂— (e.g. ^(t)BuC(═O)OCH₂—);-   (ii) where the compound of Formula I contains an alcohol    functionality (—OH), an ester thereof, such as a compound wherein    the hydrogen of the alcohol functionality of the compound of Formula    I is replaced by —CO(C₁-C₈ alkyl) (e.g. methylcarbonyl) or the    alcohol is esterified with an amino acid;-   (iii) where the compound of Formula I contains an alcohol    functionality (—OH), an ether thereof, such as a compound wherein    the hydrogen of the alcohol functionality of the compound of Formula    I is replaced by (C₁-C₈ alkyl)C(═O)OCH₂— or —CH₂OP(═O)(OH)₂;-   (iv) where the compound of Formula I contains an alcohol    functionality (—OH), a phosphate thereof, such as a compound wherein    the hydrogen of the alcohol functionality of the compound of Formula    I is replaced by —P(═O)(OH)₂ or —P(═O)(ONa)₂ or —P(═O)(O⁻)₂Ca²⁺;-   (v) where the compound of Formula I contains a primary or secondary    amino functionality (—NH₂ or —NHR where R≠H), an amide thereof, for    example, a compound wherein, as the case may be, one or both    hydrogens of the amino functionality of the compound of Formula I    is/are replaced by (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, —COCH₂NH₂ or the amino group is    derivatised with an amino acid;-   (vi) where the compound of Formula I contains a primary or secondary    amino functionality (—NH₂ or —NHR where R≠H), an amine thereof, for    example, a compound wherein, as the case may be, one or both    hydrogens of the amino functionality of the compound of Formula I    is/are replaced by —CH₂OP(═O)(OH)₂;-   (vii) where the carboxylic acid group within compound of Formula I    is replaced by a methyl group, a —CH₂OH group or an aldehyde group.

Certain compounds of Formula I may themselves act as prodrugs of othercompounds of Formula I. It is also possible for two compounds of FormulaI to be joined together in the form of a prodrug. In certaincircumstances, a prodrug of a compound of Formula I may be created byinternally linking two functional groups in a compound of Formula I, forinstance by forming a lactone.

References to compounds of Formula I are taken to include the compoundsthemselves and prodrugs thereof. The invention includes such compoundsof Formula I as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts of suchcompounds and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates of said compounds andsalts.

Administration and Dosing

Typically, a compound of the invention is administered in an amounteffective to treat a condition as described herein. The compounds of theinvention can be administered as compound per se, or alternatively, as apharmaceutically acceptable salt. For administration and dosingpurposes, the compound per se or pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof will simply be referred to as the compounds of the invention.

The compounds of the invention are administered by any suitable route inthe form of a pharmaceutical composition adapted to such a route, and ina dose effective for the treatment intended. The compounds of theinvention may be administered orally, rectally, vaginally, parenterally,or topically.

The compounds of the invention may be administered orally. Oraladministration may involve swallowing, so that the compound enters thegastrointestinal tract, or buccal or sublingual administration may beemployed by which the compound enters the bloodstream directly from themouth.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention may also beadministered directly into the bloodstream, into muscle, or into aninternal organ. Suitable means for parenteral administration includeintravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intrathecal,intraventricular, intraurethral, intrasternal, intracranial,intramuscular and subcutaneous. Suitable devices for parenteraladministration include needle (including microneedle) injectors,needle-free injectors and infusion techniques.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention may also beadministered topically to the skin or mucosa, that is, dermally ortransdermally. In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention canalso be administered intranasally or by inhalation. In anotherembodiment, the compounds of the invention may be administered rectallyor vaginally. In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention mayalso be administered directly to the eye or ear.

The dosage regimen for the compounds of the invention and/orcompositions containing said compounds is based on a variety of factors,including the type, age, weight, sex and medical condition of thepatient; the severity of the condition; the route of administration; andthe activity of the particular compound employed. Thus the dosageregimen may vary widely. In one embodiment, the total daily dose of acompound of the invention is typically from about 0.001 to about 100mg/kg (i.e., mg compound of the invention per kg body weight) for thetreatment of the indicated conditions discussed herein. In anotherembodiment, total daily dose of the compound of the invention is fromabout 0.01 to about 30 mg/kg, and in another embodiment, from about 0.03to about 10 mg/kg, and in yet another embodiment, from about 0.1 toabout 3. It is not uncommon that the administration of the compounds ofthe invention will be repeated a plurality of times in a day (typicallyno greater than 4 times). Multiple doses per day typically may be usedto increase the total daily dose, if desired.

For oral administration, the compositions may be provided in the form oftablets containing 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 25.0, 30.0 50.0,75.0, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250 and 500 milligrams of the activeingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient.A medicament typically contains from about 0.01 mg to about 500 mg ofthe active ingredient, or in another embodiment, from about 1 mg toabout 100 mg of active ingredient. Intravenously, doses may range fromabout 0.01 to about 10 mg/kg/minute during a constant rate infusion.

Suitable subjects according to the invention include mammalian subjects.In one embodiment, humans are suitable subjects. Human subjects may beof either gender and at any stage of development.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

In another embodiment, the invention comprises pharmaceuticalcompositions. Such pharmaceutical compositions comprise a compound ofthe invention presented with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.Other pharmacologically active substances can also be present. As usedherein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any and allsolvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungalagents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like that arephysiologically compatible. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers include one or more of water, saline, phosphate bufferedsaline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like, as well ascombinations thereof, and may include isotonic agents, for example,sugars, sodium chloride, or polyalcohols such as mannitol, or sorbitolin the composition. Pharmaceutically acceptable substances such aswetting agents or minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wettingor emulsifying agents, preservatives or buffers, which enhance the shelflife or effectiveness of the antibody or antibody portion.

The compositions of this invention may be in a variety of forms. Theseinclude, for example, liquid, semi-solid and solid dosage forms, such asliquid solutions (e.g., injectable and infusible solutions), dispersionsor suspensions, tablets, pills, powders, liposomes and suppositories.The form depends on the intended mode of administration and therapeuticapplication.

Typical compositions are in the form of injectable or infusiblesolutions, such as compositions similar to those used for passiveimmunization of humans with antibodies in general. One mode ofadministration is parenteral (e.g. intravenous, subcutaneous,intraperitoneal, intramuscular). In another embodiment, the antibody isadministered by intravenous infusion or injection. In yet anotherembodiment, the antibody is administered by intramuscular orsubcutaneous injection.

Oral administration of a solid dose form may be, for example, presentedin discrete units, such as hard or soft capsules, pills, cachets,lozenges, or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of at leastone compound of the invention. In another embodiment, the oraladministration may be in a powder or granule form. In anotherembodiment, the oral dose form is sub-lingual, such as, for example, alozenge. In such solid dosage forms, the compounds of Formula I areordinarily combined with one or more adjuvants. Such capsules or tabletsmay contain a controlled release formulation. In the case of capsules,tablets, and pills, the dosage forms also may comprise buffering agentsor may be prepared with enteric coatings.

In another embodiment, oral administration may be in a liquid dose form.Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include, for example,pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups,and elixirs containing inert diluents commonly used in the art (e.g.,water). Such compositions also may comprise adjuvants, such as wetting,emulsifying, suspending, flavoring (e.g., sweetening), and/or perfumingagents.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a parenteral dose form.“Parenteral administration” includes, for example, subcutaneousinjections, intravenous injections, intraperitoneally, intramuscularinjections, intrasternal injections, and infusion. Injectablepreparations (i.e., sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginoussuspensions) may be formulated according to the known art using suitabledispersing, wetting agents, and/or suspending agents.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a topical dose form.“Topical administration” includes, for example, transdermaladministration, such as via transdermal patches or iontophoresisdevices, intraocular administration, or intranasal or inhalationadministration. Compositions for topical administration also include,for example, topical gels, sprays, ointments, and creams. A topicalformulation may include a compound which enhances absorption orpenetration of the active ingredient through the skin or other affectedareas. When the compounds of this invention are administered by atransdermal device, administration will be accomplished using a patcheither of the reservoir and porous membrane type or of a solid matrixvariety. Typical formulations for this purpose include gels, hydrogels,lotions, solutions, creams, ointments, dusting powders, dressings,foams, films, skin patches, wafers, implants, sponges, fibres, bandagesand microemulsions. Liposomes may also be used. Typical carriers includealcohol, water, mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum,glycerin, polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Penetrationenhancers may be incorporated—see, for example, B. C. Finnin and T. M.Morgan, J. Pharm. Sci., vol. 88, pp. 955-958, 1999.

Formulations suitable for topical administration to the eye include, forexample, eye drops wherein the compound of this invention is dissolvedor suspended in a suitable carrier. A typical formulation suitable forocular or aural administration may be in the form of drops of amicronized suspension or solution in isotonic, pH-adjusted, sterilesaline. Other formulations suitable for ocular and aural administrationinclude ointments, biodegradable (i.e., absorbable gel sponges,collagen) and non-biodegradable (i.e., silicone) implants, wafers,lenses and particulate or vesicular systems, such as niosomes orliposomes. A polymer such as crossed linked polyacrylic acid, polyvinylalcohol, hyaluronic acid, a cellulosic polymer, for example,hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, or methylcellulose,or a heteropolysaccharide polymer, for example, gelan gum, may beincorporated together with a preservative, such as benzalkoniumchloride. Such formulations may also be delivered by iontophoresis.

For intranasal administration or administration by inhalation, thecompounds of the invention are conveniently delivered in the form of asolution or suspension from a pump spray container that is squeezed orpumped by the patient or as an aerosol spray presentation from apressurized container or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitablepropellant. Formulations suitable for intranasal administration aretypically administered in the form of a dry powder (either alone, as amixture, for example, in a dry blend with lactose, or as a mixedcomponent particle, for example, mixed with phospholipids, such asphosphatidylcholine) from a dry powder inhaler or as an aerosol sprayfrom a pressurized container, pump, spray, atomizer (preferably anatomizer using electrohydrodynamics to produce a fine mist), ornebulizer, with or without the use of a suitable propellant, such as1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. Forintranasal use, the powder may comprise a bioadhesive agent, forexample, chitosan or cyclodextrin.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a rectal dose form. Suchrectal dose form may be in the form of, for example, a suppository.Cocoa butter is a traditional suppository base, but various alternativesmay be used as appropriate.

Other carrier materials and modes of administration known in thepharmaceutical art may also be used. Pharmaceutical compositions of theinvention may be prepared by any of the well-known techniques ofpharmacy, such as effective formulation and administration procedures.The above considerations in regard to effective formulations andadministration procedures are well known in the art and are described instandard textbooks. Formulation of drugs is discussed in, for example,Hoover, John E., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack PublishingCo., Easton, Pa., 1975; Liberman et al., Eds., Pharmaceutical DosageForms, Marcel Decker, New York, N.Y., 1980; and Kibbe et al., Eds.,Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients (3rd Ed.), American PharmaceuticalAssociation, Washington, 1999.

Co-Administration

The compounds of the invention can be used alone, or in combination withother therapeutic agents. The invention provides any of the uses,methods or compositions as defined herein wherein the compound of anyembodiment of Formula I herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of said compound orsalt, is used in combination with one or more other therapeutic agentdiscussed herein.

The administration of two or more compounds “in combination” means thatall of the compounds are administered closely enough in time that eachmay generate a biological effect in the same time frame. The presence ofone agent may alter the biological effects of the other compound(s). Thetwo or more compounds may be administered simultaneously, concurrentlyor sequentially. Additionally, simultaneous administration may becarried out by mixing the compounds prior to administration or byadministering the compounds at the same point in time but as separatedosage forms at the same or different site of administration.

The phrases “concurrent administration,” “co-administration,”“simultaneous administration,” and “administered simultaneously” meanthat the compounds are administered in combination.

In another embodiment, the invention provides methods of treatment thatinclude administering compounds of the present invention in combinationwith one or more other pharmaceutical agents, wherein the one or moreother pharmaceutical agents may be selected from the agents discussedherein.

In one embodiment, the compounds of this invention are administered withan anti-diabetic agent including but not limited to a biguanide (e.g.,metformin), a sulfonylurea (e.g., tolbutamide, glibenclamide,gliclazide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, acetohexamide, glyclopyramide,glimepiride, or glipizide), a thiazolidinedione (e.g., pioglitazone,rosiglitazone, or lobeglitazone), a glitazar (e.g., saroglitazar,aleglitazar, muraglitazar or tesaglitazar), a meglitinide (e.g.,nateglinide, repaglinide), a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor(e.g., sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, gemigliptin,anagliptin, teneligliptin, alogliptin, trelagliptin, dutogliptin, oromarigliptin), a glitazone (e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone,balaglitazone, rivoglitazone, or lobeglitazone), a sodium-glucose linkedtransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor (e.g., empagliflozin, canagliflozin,dapagliflozin, ipragliflozin, Ipragliflozin, tofogliflozin, sergliflozinetabonate, remogliflozin etabonate, or ertugliflozin), an SGLTL1inhibitor, a GPR40 agonist (FFAR1/FFA1 agonist, e.g. fasiglifam),glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and analogues thereof, analpha glucosidase inhibitor (e.g. voglibose, acarbose, or miglitol), oran insulin or an insulin analogue, including the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts of the specifically named agents and thepharmaceutically acceptable solvates of said agents and salts.

In another embodiment, the compounds of this invention are administeredwith an anti-obesity agent including but not limited to peptide YY or ananalogue thereof, a neuropeptide Y receptor type 2 (NPYR2) agonist, aNPYR1 or NPYR5 antagonist, a cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R)antagonist, a lipase inhibitor (e.g., orlistat), a human proisletpeptide (HIP), a melanocortin receptor 4 agonist (e.g., setmelanotide),a melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 antagonist, a farnesoid Xreceptor (FXR) agonist (e.g. obeticholic acid), zonisamide, phentermine(alone or in combination with topiramate), a norepinephrine/dopaminereuptake inhibitor (e.g., buproprion), an opioid receptor antagonist(e.g., naltrexone), a combination of norepinephrine/dopamine reuptakeinhibitor and opioid receptor antagonist (e.g., a combination ofbupropion and naltrexone), a GDF-15 analog, sibutramine, acholecystokinin agonist, amylin and analogues thereof (e.g.,pramlintide), leptin and analogues thereof (e.g., metroleptin), aserotonergic agent (e.g., lorcaserin), a methionine aminopeptidase 2(MetAP2) inhibitor (e.g., beloranib or ZGN-1061), phendimetrazine,diethylpropion, benzphetamine, an SGLT2 inhibitor (e.g., empagliflozin,canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, ipragliflozin, Ipragliflozin,tofogliflozin, sergliflozin etabonate, remogliflozin etabonate, orertugliflozin), an SGLTL1 inhibitor, a dual SGLT2/SGLT1 inhibitor, afibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) modulator, an AMP-activatedprotein kinase (AMPK) activator, biotin, a MAS receptor modulator, or aglucagon receptor agonist (alone or in combination with another GLP-1Ragonist, e.g., liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, albiglutide,lixisenatide, or semaglutide), including the pharmaceutically acceptablesalts of the specifically named agents and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable solvates of said agents and salts.

In another embodiment, the compounds of this invention are administeredwith an agent to treat NASH including but not limited to PF-05221304, anFXR agonist (e.g., obeticholic acid), a PPAR α/δ agonist (e.g.,elafibranor), a synthetic fatty acid-bile acid conjugate (e.g.,aramchol), a caspase inhibitor (e.g., emricasan), an anti-lysyl oxidasehomologue 2 (LOXL2) monoclonal antibody (e.g., simtuzumab), a galectin 3inhibitor (e.g., GR-MD-02), a MAPK5 inhibitor (e.g., GS-4997), a dualantagonist of chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and CCR5 (e.g., cenicriviroc),a fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) agonist (e.g., BMS-986036), aleukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptor antagonist (e.g., tipelukast), a niacinanalogue (e.g., ARI 3037MO), an ASBT inhibitor (e.g., volixibat), anacetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitor (e.g., NDI 010976), aketohexokinase (KHK) inhibitor, a diacylglyceryl acyltransferase 2(DGAT2) inhibitor, a CB1 receptor antagonist, an anti-CB1R antibody, oran apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) inhibitor, including thepharmaceutically acceptable salts of the specifically named agents andthe pharmaceutically acceptable solvates of said agents and salts.

These agents and compounds of the invention can be combined withpharmaceutically acceptable vehicles such as saline, Ringer's solution,dextrose solution, and the like. The particular dosage regimen, i.e.,dose, timing and repetition, will depend on the particular individualand that individual's medical history.

Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic torecipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and may comprisebuffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; salts suchas sodium chloride; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine;preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride;hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride;phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens, such as methyl orpropyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; andm-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues)polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or Igs;hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such asglycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine;monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates includingglucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugarssuch as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-formingcounter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g., Zn-proteincomplexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants such as TWEEN™, PLURONICS™ orpolyethylene glycol (PEG).

Liposomes containing these agents and/or compounds of the invention areprepared by methods known in the art, such as described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545.

Liposomes with enhanced circulation time are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,013,556. Particularly useful liposomes can be generated by the reversephase evaporation method with a lipid composition comprisingphosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and PEG-derivatizedphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE). Liposomes are extruded throughfilters of defined pore size to yield liposomes with the desireddiameter.

These agents and/or the compounds of the invention may also be entrappedin microcapsules prepared, for example, by coacervation techniques or byinterfacial polymerization, for example, hydroxymethylcellulose orgelatin-microcapsules and poly-(methylmethacrylate) microcapsules,respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example,liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles andnanocapsules) or in macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed inRemington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20th Ed., MackPublishing (2000).

Sustained-release preparations may be used. Suitable examples ofsustained-release preparations include semi-permeable matrices of solidhydrophobic polymers containing the compound of Formulas I, II, or III,which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, ormicrocapsules. Examples of sustained-release matrices includepolyesters, hydrogels (for example, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate),or ‘poly(vinylalcohol)), polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919),copolymers of L-glutamic acid and 7 ethyl-L-glutamate, non-degradableethylene-vinyl acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymerssuch as those used in LUPRON DEPOT™ (injectable microspheres composed oflactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), sucroseacetate isobutyrate, and poly-D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid.

The formulations to be used for intravenous administration must besterile. This is readily accomplished by, for example, filtrationthrough sterile filtration membranes. Compounds of the invention aregenerally placed into a container having a sterile access port, forexample, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceableby a hypodermic injection needle.

Suitable emulsions may be prepared using commercially available fatemulsions, such as Intralipid™, Liposyn™, Infonutrol™, Lipofundin™ andLipiphysan™. The active ingredient may be either dissolved in apre-mixed emulsion composition or alternatively it may be dissolved inan oil (e.g., soybean oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, sesame oil,corn oil or almond oil) and an emulsion formed upon mixing with aphospholipid (e.g., egg phospholipids, soybean phospholipids or soybeanlecithin) and water. It will be appreciated that other ingredients maybe added, for example glycerol or glucose, to adjust the tonicity of theemulsion. Suitable emulsions will typically contain up to 20% oil, forexample, between 5 and 20%. The fat emulsion can comprise fat dropletsbetween 0.1 and 1.0 μm, particularly 0.1 and 0.5 μm, and have a pH inthe range of 5.5 to 8.0.

The emulsion compositions can be those prepared by mixing a compound ofthe invention with Intralipid™ or the components thereof (soybean oil,egg phospholipids, glycerol and water).

Compositions for inhalation or insufflation include solutions andsuspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous or organic solvents,or mixtures thereof, and powders. The liquid or solid compositions maycontain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as set outabove. In some embodiments, the compositions are administered by theoral or nasal respiratory route for local or systemic effect.Compositions in preferably sterile pharmaceutically acceptable solventsmay be nebulised by use of gases. Nebulised solutions may be breatheddirectly from the nebulising device or the nebulising device may beattached to a face mask, tent or intermittent positive pressurebreathing machine. Solution, suspension or powder compositions may beadministered, preferably orally or nasally, from devices which deliverthe formulation in an appropriate manner.

Kits

Another aspect of the invention provides kits comprising the compound ofFormulas I, II, or III or pharmaceutical compositions comprising thecompound of Formulas I, II, or III of the invention. A kit may include,in addition to the compound of Formulas I, II, or III, of the inventionor pharmaceutical composition thereof, diagnostic or therapeutic agents.A kit may also include instructions for use in a diagnostic ortherapeutic method. In some embodiments, the kit includes the compoundof Formulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof and adiagnostic agent. In other embodiments, the kit includes the compound ofFormulas I, II, or III, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises kits that aresuitable for use in performing the methods of treatment describedherein. In one embodiment, the kit contains a first dosage formcomprising one or more of the compounds of the invention in quantitiessufficient to carry out the methods of the invention. In anotherembodiment, the kit comprises one or more compounds of the invention inquantities sufficient to carry out the methods of the invention and acontainer for the dosage and a container for the dosage.

Preparation

The compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, may be prepared by the generaland specific methods described below, using the common general knowledgeof one skilled in the art of synthetic organic chemistry. Such commongeneral knowledge can be found in standard reference books such asComprehensive Organic Chemistry, Ed. Barton and Ollis, Elsevier;Comprehensive Organic Transformations: A Guide to Functional GroupPreparations, Larock, John Wiley and Sons; and Compendium of OrganicSynthetic Methods, Vol. I-XII (published by Wiley-Interscience). Thestarting materials used herein are commercially available or may beprepared by routine methods known in the art.

In the preparation of the compounds of Formulas I, II, or III, it isnoted that some of the preparation methods described herein may requireprotection of remote functionality (e.g., primary amine, secondaryamine, carboxyl in Formula I precursors). The need for such protectionwill vary depending on the nature of the remote functionality and theconditions of the preparation methods. The need for such protection isreadily determined by one skilled in the art. The use of suchprotection/deprotection methods is also within the skill in the art. Fora general description of protecting groups and their use, see T. W.Greene, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, NewYork, 1991.

For example, certain compounds contain primary amines or carboxylic acidfunctionalities which may interfere with reactions at other sites of themolecule if left unprotected. Accordingly, such functionalities may beprotected by an appropriate protecting group which may be removed in asubsequent step. Suitable protecting groups for amine and carboxylicacid protection include those protecting groups commonly used in peptidesynthesis (such as N-t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc), benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz),and 9-fluorenylmethylenoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) for amines and lower alkyl orbenzyl esters for carboxylic acids) which are generally not chemicallyreactive under the reaction conditions described and can typically beremoved without chemically altering other functionality in the Formula Icompounds.

The Schemes described below are intended to provide a generaldescription of the methodology employed in the preparation of thecompounds of the present invention. Some of the compounds of the presentinvention may contain single or multiple chiral centers with thestereochemical designation (R) or (S). It will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that all of the synthetic transformations can beconducted in a similar manner whether the materials are enantioenrichedor racemic. Moreover the resolution to the desired optically activematerial may take place at any desired point in the sequence using wellknown methods such as described herein and in the chemistry literature.

In the Schemes that follow, the variables Y, Z¹, Z², Z³, R¹, R², R³, R⁴,m, p, and q are as described herein for compounds of Formulas I, II, orIII unless otherwise noted. For the Schemes provided below, each X¹, X²,X³, and X⁴ can independently be a leaving group such as any alkyl oraryl sulfonate (e.g., mesylate, tosylate, or triflate), or a halogen orany other group that can be displaced by an amine or utilized in a metalmediated coupling reaction. X⁴ may also be a protected carboxylic acid(i.e., ester). When the protecting group is identified as Pg¹, it can bean alkyl amine protecting group such as benzyl, benzhydryl, or the like;a carbamate protecting group such as Boc, Cbz, or the like; or an amideprotecting group such trifluoroacetamide. When the protecting group isidentified as Pg², it can be acid protecting group such as methyl,ethyl, benzyl, t-butyl or the like. R^(4a) is C₁₋₂alkyl,C₀₋₂alkylene-C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, C₀₋₂alkylene-R⁵, or C₁₋₂alkylene-R⁶,wherein said alkyl, alkylene, or cycloalkyl may be independentlysubstituted as valency allows with 0 to 3 F atoms and 0 to 1 substituentindependently selected from C₀₋₁alkylene-OR^(O) and —N(R^(N))₂.

The substituted pyridine 6 may be prepared as discussed in Scheme 1. A2,6-dihalopyridine (1, synthesized or purchased commercially) can bereacted with a substituted boronic acid or boronate ester (2) in thepresence of a palladium catalyst and ligand complex in the manner of aSuzuki reaction (Maluenda and Navarro, Molecules, 2015, 20, 7528-7557)to provide compounds of the general formula 3. For best results in theSuzuki reaction, the X² halogen is preferably Cl, Br or I. Reduction ofthe olefin to provide compounds of general structure 4 would beperformed under an atmosphere of hydrogen (15-100 psi H₂) in analcoholic solvent such as MeOH or EtOH or alternatively an aproticorganic solvent such as EtOAc or THF in the presence of an appropriatecatalyst such as palladium on carbon, Pd(OH)₂ on carbon (Pearlman'scatalyst) or PtO₂ (Adams catalyst). Alternatively, the reduction may beaccomplished by alternative methods know to those skilled in the artusing reagents such as triethyl silane or other silanes, under acid ormetallic catalysis, or metallic reductants, such as magnesium orsimilar. Alternatively, the olefin can be functionalized by methodsknown to one skilled in the art to introduce R³ groups. For example, theolefin could be hydroborated to produce an alcohol that could bealkylated or further converted to a nitrile, F or alkyl group.Conversion to compounds of general structure 5 can be accomplished bysuch manner as a Buchwald-Hartwig C—O coupling (Lundgren and Stradiotto,Aldrich Chimica Acta, 2012, 45, 59-65) between compounds of the generalstructure 4 and an appropriately substituted benzyl alcohol in thepresence of a palladium or copper catalyst and ligand complex. Apreferred X¹ halogen is Cl. These reactions are generally performedbetween 0 and 110° C. in aprotic organic solvents such as but notlimited to 1,4-dioxane and PhCH₃ with added base such as Cs₂CO₃, LiHMDSor NaOtBu. Alternatively, reaction of 4 with an appropriatelysubstituted benzyl alcohol in an aprotic solvent such as DMF or THF inthe presence of a strong base such as NaH, KOtBu or LiHMDS can delivercompounds of the general structure 5. Preferred X¹ substituents for thisreaction include F and Cl or sulfones (e.g. SO₂Me). Removal of Pg¹ couldbe effected with many methods described in literature to provide amines6.

Alternatively, as shown in Scheme 2, appropriately substitutedpiperidine esters of general structure 7 can be reacted with 1 in thepresence of strong base such as LiHMDS or LDA or other suitable base inan aprotic organic solvent such as THF to deliver compounds of thegeneral structure 8. For best results in preparation of compounds suchas 8, X² is preferably F or Cl. Removal of Pg² through ester hydrolysisto deliver carboxylic acids 9 can be performed in a traditional mannersuch as aqueous lithium, sodium or potassium hydroxide in a watermiscible solvent such as MeOH, EtOH, THF or the like. Subjectingcarboxylic acids 9 to heat (60-120° C.) in an appropriate solvent suchas DCE or PhCH₃ will result in decarboxylation to deliver compounds ofgeneral formula 4 for use as described in Scheme 1 to obtain amines 6.

Scheme 3 provides an alternative preparation of compounds 5. Reaction of1 with an appropriately substituted benzyl alcohol in an aprotic solventsuch as DMF or THF in the presence of a strong base such as NaH, KOtBuor LiHMDS can deliver compounds of the general structure 10. PreferredX¹ substituents for this reaction include F and Cl, while X²substituents may include Cl, Br or I. Alternatively, Buchwald-HartwigC—O coupling conditions similar to the preparation of 5 may be used toprepare 10 with preferred X¹ substituents Cl, Br or I. Suzuki reactionconditions similar to the preparation of general structure 3 may be usedto prepare compounds of general structure 11 from 10. Preferred X²substituents for use in the coupling include Cl, Br or I. The olefin maybe reduced via methods previously described in Scheme 1 to delivercompounds of general structure 5 that are then used to obtain amines 6.

As provided in Scheme 4, conversion of 10 to compounds of generalstructure 12 can be accomplished by such manner as a Buchwald-HartwigC—N coupling between compounds of the general structure 10 and anappropriately substituted and protected piperazine in the presence of apalladium or copper catalyst and ligand complex. Preferred X²substituents for use in the coupling include Cl, Br or I. Thesereactions are generally performed between 0 and 110° C. in aproticorganic solvents such as but not limited to 1,4-dioxane and PhCH₃ withadded base such as Cs₂CO₃, LiHMDS or NaOtBu. Removal of Pg¹ could beeffected with many methods described in literature to provide amines 13.

Compounds of the structure 14 (Scheme 5) may be converted to compoundsof the general structure 15 through methods described previously inScheme 1 or Scheme 2. Preferred X² substituents for use in the couplinginclude Cl, Br or I. Conversion of intermediates 15 into theirrespective N-oxides 16 can be performed with oxidants such as3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, Oxone® or other suitable oxidant.Rearrangement to compounds of structure 17 can be affected by treatmentwith an organic acid anhydride such as Ac₂O or TFAA in aprotic solventswith an appropriate organic amine base such as Et₃N, DIPEA or othersuitable base. Preparation of benzyl ethers of general structure 18 canbe achieved by standard alkylation methods with appropriatelysubstituted benzyl bromides or through standard Mitsunobu alkylationprotocols (Swamy et al., Chem. Rev. 2009, 109, 2551-2651) withappropriately substituted benzyl alcohols. Removal of Pg¹ could beeffected by many methods described in literature to provide amines 19.

Compound 20 (Scheme 6) can be reacted with an appropriately substitutedand protected piperazine in the presence of a suitable base such asCs₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, NaH or LiHMDS or organic base such as Et₃N, DIPEA or DBUin a polar aprotic solvent such as but not limited to DMF, DMAc, DMSO orNMP to deliver compounds of the general structure 21. Preferred X¹ andX² substituents for use in the coupling include F and Cl; F is mostpreferred. Benzyl ethers 22 can be prepared analogously to compounds 10in Scheme 3. Alternatively, by performing the above steps in reverseorder, compounds of the general structure 25 can be prepared from thesame starting material 20. Removal of Pg¹ could be effected by manymethods described in the literature to provide amines 23 and 26.

Amine compounds prepared via methods described in Schemes 1-6,collectively designated as amines 27, can be alkylated with a protected2-bromoacetate in the presence of a suitable base such as K₂CO₃, Et₃N,NaH or LiHMDS in a polar aprotic solvent such as but not limited to DMF,DMAc, DMSO or NMP to deliver compounds of the general structure 28.Standard ester hydrolysis can be performed to provide acids 29. If Pg²is t-butyl, standard acidic deprotection methods such as TFA/DCM,HCl/1,4-dioxane, HCl/EtOAc or other suitable conditions may be used todeliver acids 29.

Compounds of general structure 30 (Scheme 8) can react with amines R⁴NH₂in the presence of bases such as sodium-, potassium-, or cesiumcarbonate, -bicarbonate, hydroxide, acetate, or an organic amine basesuch as Et₃N, DIPEA, DBU, and the like in a polar aprotic solvent suchas but not limited to THF, DMF, DMAc, DMSO or NMP or a protic solventsuch as water, MeOH, EtOH or iPrOH or a mixture thereof to delivercompounds of the general structure 31. One will note that if an exampleprovides an R⁴ with a resolved enantiomeric center, the other enantiomeror a racemix mixture thereof could be obtained by selection of theappropriate starting material. Preferred X³ substituents include F, Cl,and Br, preferred X⁴ groups include Cl, Br, —CO₂—Pg². Reduction of thenitro group can be affected by hydrogenation at 1-6 atm H₂ with a metalcatalyst such as palladium on carbon or Raney nickel in a protic solventsuch as MeOH or EtOH or aprotic solvent such as DMF, THF or EtOAc.Alternatively, the nitro group may be reduced with iron, zinc, SnCl₂ orother suitable metal in an acidic media such as 1N HCl, AcOH or aqueousNH₄Cl in THF to provide compounds of general structure 32 (Scheme 8a).Compounds such as 33 may be acylated by acyl halides by standard fashionor by carboxylates via standard amide coupling protocols to providecompounds 34. Reduction to compounds 35 may be performed under standardconditions with reducing agents such as LAH or BH₃-THF or BH₃-DMS(Scheme 8b).

Diamine compounds 32 and 35 prepared via methods described in Schemes 8aand 8b, collectively designated as diamine 37 (Scheme 9), may beacylated with acids of general structure 29 under standard amidecoupling protocols to deliver amines 38 which will exist as a mixturefrom 100% 38a to 100% 38b. This mixture of amines 38 may be cyclized todeliver compounds of general structure 39 by a variety of methods.Amines 38 may be heated with a dehydrating agent such as T₃P® or analkyl alcohol such as n-butanol under microwave conditions (10-60 min at120-180° C.) to deliver compounds 39. Alternatively, the mixture ofcompounds 38 may be heated under acidic conditions such as AcOH from60-100° C. or under basic conditions such as aqueous NaOH or KOH in1,4-dioxane from 60-100° C. to provide 39. Compounds of generalstructure 39 (X⁴═Cl, Br or I) can be converted to esters of structure 40by palladium-catalyzed carbonylation under a 15-100 psi carbon monoxideatmosphere at a temperature from 20-100 at a temperature from 20-100° C.with an appropriate alcohol such as MeOH or EtOH or other alkyl alcohol.Hydrolysis of ester 40 can be performed as described in Scheme 7 toprovide acids 41. For compounds 38 where X⁴═CO₂—Pg² conversion to ester40 proceeds under similar conditions as described previously except foruse of the basic cyclization method where compound 41 may be isolateddirectly from the reaction mixture. For compounds 40 where X⁴ is CO₂^(t)Bu, deprotection to acid 41 can be performed under acidic conditionsdescribed in Scheme 7.

Additionally, diamine 37 may be converted to the 2-chloromethylbenzimidazole 42 (Scheme 10) by several methods. Treatment with2-chloroacetyl chloride in an aprotic solvent such as 1,4-dioxanefollowed by heating at 40-100° C. for 2-18 h can deliver the desiredbenzimidazole 42 where Z¹, Z² and Z³ are CH. In the cases where Z¹, Z²and Z³ are not all CR^(z), after treatment with 2-chloroacetyl chloridein an aprotic solvent such as 1,4-dioxane for 30 min to 4 h, the solventis exchanged for an acidic media such as AcOH or TFA followed by heatingat 40-100° C. for 2-18 h to provide the desired compound 42. Diamine 37can also be treated with chloroacetic anhydride at a temperature between0 and 80° C. in an aprotic solvent such as, but not limited to1,4-dioxane, THF or MeCN, followed by heating for 2 to 18 h at 60-100°C. to deliver the desired compound 42. In addition, diamine 37 can betreated with 2-chloro-1,1,1-trimethoxyethane in an aprotic solvent suchas, but not limited to 1,4-dioxane, THF or MeCN, or a protic solvent,e.g., MeOH or EtOH, in the presence of an acid catalyst, e.g., pTSA, at20-100° C. Alternatively, diamines 37 may be heated 100-180° C. with2-hydroxyacetic acid in an aprotic solvent, such as but not limited tomesitylene, to provide a hydroxymethyl intermediate. Conversion of thehydroxymethyl group to the chloromethyl compound 42 may be accomplishedby standard methods, including treatment with SOCl₂ in an aproticsolvent. Compounds of general structure 42 can be reacted with compounds27 in the presence of bases such as sodium-, potassium-, or cesiumcarbonate, -bicarbonate, NaH or an organic amine base such as Et₃N,DIPEA, DBU, and the like in a polar aprotic solvent, such as but notlimited to THF, MeCN, DMF, DMAc, DMSO or NMP, to deliver compounds 39(X⁴═Cl, Br, I) or compounds 40 (X⁴═CO₂—Pg²) that are then used to obtaincompounds 41 via methods described in Scheme 9.

Alternatively, compounds of general structure 42 can be reacted withappropriately substituted and protected piperazines to provide compounds43 (Scheme 11). Removal of Pg¹ could be effected with many methodsdescribed in literature to provide amines 44. Conversion to compounds ofgeneral structure 39 (X⁴═Cl, Br or I) or 40 (X⁴═CO₂—Pg²) can beaccomplished by such manner as a Buchwald-Hartwig C—N coupling betweencompounds of the general structures 10 and as described previously inScheme 4. Compounds of general structure 39 or 40 can then be used toobtain compounds of structure 41 via methods described in Scheme 9.

EXAMPLES

Intermediate 1 tert-Butyl6-chloro-3′,6′-dihydro-[2,4′-bipyridine]-1′(2′H)-carboxylate

A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser was charged with oftert-butyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-3,6-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxylate(1.5 g, 4.9 mmol), 2,6-dichloropyridine (1.4 g, 9.7 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂(0.34 g, 0.49 mmol), and cesium carbonate (3.5 g, 11 mmol). A spargedsolution of 1,4-dioxane (15 mL) and water (3 mL) was added and themixture was heated to 90° C. under N₂ (g). After 7 h, the mixture wasallowed to cool to RT and filtered through a pad of Celite® with EtOAc(50 mL). The mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), the aq. layer wasextracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL), and the combined organic layers weredried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent removed underreduced pressure. The crude material was purified using columnchromatography eluting with 10% EtOAc in heptane to obtain Intermediate1 as a colorless oil (1.1 g, 75%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.57 (t, 1H), 7.23(d, 1H), 7.14 (d, 1H), 6.66 (br s, 1H), 4.11 (br s, 2H), 3.61 (br s,2H), 2.57 (br s, 2H), 1.43-1.52 (m, 9H).

Intermediate 2 tert-Butyl4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate

To a stirred solution of Intermediate 1 (0.55 g, 1.9 mmol) in MeOH (19mL) was added PtO₂ (0.042 g, 0.19 mmol). The solution was subject to ahydrogen atmosphere (30 PSI) at RT. After 3 h, the solution was filteredthrough a Celite® plug, washed with MeOH (2×15 mL) and concentratedunder reduced pressure. The crude material was purified using columnchromatography eluting with 30% EtOAc in heptane to obtain Intermediate2 (0.22 g, 40%) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.57 (t, 1H), 7.15(d, 1H), 7.05 (d, 1H), 4.23 (br s, 2H), 2.80 (d, 3H), 1.89 (d, 2H),1.60-1.73 (m, 2H), 1.45 (s, 9H).

Intermediate 32-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-6-(piperidin-4-yl)pyridinebis(4-methylbenzenesulfonate) Step 1

A reaction vessel equipped with a reflux condenser was charged withIntermediate 2 (6.5 g, 22 mmol), (4-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methanol (3.5g, 22 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (1.0 g, 1.1 mmol), BINAP (1.4 g, 2.2 mmol) andcesium carbonate (14 g, 44 mmol). Toluene (73 mL) was added and themixture was heated to 100° C. After 16 h, the mixture was allowed tocool to RT, filtered through Celite® with EtOAc (100 mL) andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude material was purifiedusing column chromatography eluting with 10% EtOAc in PE to obtaintert-butyl4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylateas a yellow oil (7.6 g, 82%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.51 (dd, 1H), 7.39-7.47(m, 1H), 7.06-7.18 (m, 2H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 6.62 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H),4.22 (br s, 2H), 2.83 (m, 2H), 2.73 (tt, 1H), 1.81-1.94 (m, 2H),1.64-1.79 (m, 2H), 1.50 (s, 9H).

Step 2

To a stirred solution of tert-butyl4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate(50 g, 120 mmol) in EtOAc (700 mL) was added pTSA.H₂O (59 g, 310 mmol).The mixture was heated to 60° C. After 30 min, the solution was allowedto cool to RT. The resultant solid precipitate was slurried for 16 h,collected by filtration and then dried under reduced pressure to obtainIntermediate 3 as a solid (81 g, quant). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ:8.55 (br s, 1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 7.68 (t, 1H), 7.60 (t, 1H), 7.48 (d, 4H),7.32 (d, 1H), 7.12 (d, 4H), 6.89 (d, 1H), 6.74 (d, 1H), 5.38 (s, 2H),3.37 (d, 2H), 2.98-3.09 (m, 2H), 2.87-2.96 (m, 1H), 2.29 (s, 6H),1.96-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.80-1.94 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 43-Fluoro-4-(((6-(piperidin-4-yl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)methyl)benzonitrilebis(4-methylbenzenesulfonate) Step 1

To a solution of diisopropylamine (92 mL, 656 mmol) in THF (350 mL) at−26° C. was added n-butyllithium in heptanes (2.6 M, 250 mL, 650 mmol)over 15 min. The mixture was cooled to −30° C. and a solution of1-(tert-butyl) 4-methyl piperidine-1,4-dicarboxylate (156 g, 641 mmol)in THF (150 mL) added over 25 min. After 10 min, a solution of2,6-dichloropyridine (94 g, 635 mmol) in THF (150 mL) was added over 2min. The mixture was warmed to 25° C. for 2.5 h and then cooled to 8° C.and treated with 6 M HCl (125 mL) over 20 min to bring the pH of themixture to ˜7-8. The mixture was diluted with water (100 mL) and MTBE(150 mL) and the layers separated. The aq. layer was extracted with MTBE(150 mL) and the combined organic layers washed with brine (150 mL),dried over MgSO₄. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure toprovide crude 1-(tert-butyl) 4-methyl4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1,4-dicarboxylate (241 g) as a yellowoil, which was used in the next step without purification. ¹H NMR of apurified sample (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.62 (t, 1H), 7.21 (d, 2H), 3.83 (brs, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.14 (br s, 2H), 2.41 (d, 2H), 2.08 (ddd, 2H),1.45 (s, 9H).

Step 2

The crude 1-(tert-butyl) 4-methyl4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1,4-dicarboxylate (241 g, assumed 635mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (400 mL) at 43° C. and treated with 4 M aq.NaOH (300 mL) over 20 min. The mixture was warmed to 50° C. and stirredfor 35 min. The mixture was then cooled to 11° C. and the pH adjusted to˜2 by addition of 6 M HCl (200 mL) over 25 min while continuing to coolto 5° C., after which a solid precipitate formed. The slurry was dilutedwith water (300 mL) and stirred for 40 min, after which the solid wascollected by filtration, washed with water and then dried under vacuumat 50° C. to provide a white solid (224 g). The solid was triturated inheptane (750 mL) at 45° C. for 45 min. The mixture was cooled to 16° C.and the solid collected by filtration, washed with heptane and dried toprovide1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxylicacid (187 g, 549 mmol, 86% for two steps) as a white solid.

Step 3

A solution of1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxylicacid (187 g, 549 mmol) in DCE (900 mL) was heated at 82° C. overnightand then cooled to 20° C. The mixture was treated with Magnesol® (30 g)for 40 min. The slurry was filtered through a pad of Magnesol® (30 g)and the solids washed with 1:1 MTBE:heptane (300 mL). The filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure to give a pale yellow solid, whichwas triturated in heptane (250 mL) at 50° C. The mixture was cooled to12° C. and the solid collected by filtration, washed with heptane anddried under vacuum at 45° C. to provide tert-butyl4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (143 g, 481 mmol, 88%)as a solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.58 (t, 1H), 7.17 (d, 1H), 7.06(d, 1H), 4.25 (br s, 2H), 2.66-2.93 (m, 3H), 1.91 (d, 2H), 1.69 (qd,2H), 1.47 (s, 9H).

Step 4

A mixture of tert-butyl 4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate(100 g, 337 mmol), 3-fluoro-4-(hydroxymethyl)benzonitrile (53.9 g, 357mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (170 g, 522 mmol) in dioxane (900 mL) was deoxygenatedwith 5 vacuum/nitrogen fill cycles. JohnPhos([1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl-di-tert-butylphosphine, 2.02 g, 6.77 mmol) andPd₂(dba)₃ (3.10 g, 3.39 mmol) were added and 2 further vacuum/nitrogenfill cycles applied. The mixture was then heated at 95° C. for 3 h.Additional JohnPhos (660 mg, 2.21 mmol) and Pd₂(dba)₃ (990 mg, 1.08mmol) were added and heating continued overnight. The mixture was cooledto 20° C. and filtered through a pad of Celite®, washing with MTBE (250mL). The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give ared-orange oil (174 g). This material was dissolved in 30% MTBE/hexane(600 mL), stirred with Magnesol® (20 g) and Darco® G-60 (10 g) for 70min and then filtered through a pad of silica (100 g), washing with 50%MTBE/hexane (600 mL). The filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure and azeotroped with EtOAc (100 mL) to provide tert-butyl4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylateas an oil (147 g), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMRof a purified sample (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 7.62 (t, 1H), 7.53 (t, 1H),7.44 (d, 1H), 7.37 (d, 1H), 6.75 (d, 1H), 6.65 (d, 1H), 5.49 (s, 2H),4.20 (br s, 2H), 2.81 (br s, 2H), 2.70 (tt, 1H), 1.82 (d, 2H), 1.67 (d,2H), 1.49 (s, 9H).

Step 5

To a stirred solution of tert-butyl4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate(147 g, assumed 337 mmol) in EtOAc (1.8 L) at RT was added pTSA.H₂O (161g, 846 mmol). The mixture was heated to 60° C., which resulted in gasevolution and solid formation. The mixture was stirred for 1.5 h, afterwhich additional pTSA.H₂O (12 g, 63 mmol) added, and stirring continuedfor 45 min. The slurry was cooled to 17° C. and the solids collected byfiltration, washed with EtOAc (200 mL), and dried to provide 205 g ofsolid. This material was dissolved in MeOH (500 mL) at 55° C. anddiluted with EtOAc (1 L). The resulting slurry was cooled to 20° C. andthe solids collected by filtration, washed with 9:1 EtOAc:MeOH (100 mL)and EtOAc (250 mL) and dried to provide Intermediate 4 (176.6 g, 269mmol, 80% for two steps) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ:8.53 (br s, 1H), 8.26 (br s, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.67-7.78 (m, 3H), 7.48(d, 4H), 7.11 (d, 4H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 6.79 (d, 1H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 3.35(d, 2H), 2.96-3.09 (m, 2H), 2.79-2.96 (m, 1H), 2.29 (s, 6H), 1.93-2.03(m, 2H), 1.77-1.90 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 52-(4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)aceticacid Step 1

To a mixture of Intermediate 3 (70.0 g, 209 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (118 g, 863mmol) in DMF (800 mL) was added ethyl 2-bromoacetate (39.9 g, 236 mmol)portionwise. The mixture was stirred at 30° C. for 1 h. The mixture wasdiluted with water (500 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (400 mL×3). Theorganic layers were combined, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified byflash chromatography (silica gel column, 10:1 PE/EtOAc) to afford 74 gof ethyl2-(4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetate(84%) as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.51 (t, 1H), 7.45 (t,1H), 7.09-7.17 (m, 2H), 6.75 (d, 1H), 6.61 (d, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 4.22(q, 2H), 3.27 (s, 2H), 3.07 (d, 2H), 2.54-2.65 (m, 1H), 2.32 (td, 2H),1.93-2.07 (m, 2H), 1.85-1.92 (m, 2H), 1.30 (t, 3H).

Step 2

To a solution of ethyl2-(4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetate(73 g, 179 mmol) in EtOH (270 mL) was added 5 M NaOH (156 mL, 780 mmol).The solution was stirred at 25° C. for 2 h. The mixture was acidified topH ˜3.5 with 1 M HCl. The resulting precipitate was collected byfiltration. The solids were washed with water and dried under vacuum toafford 54 g of Intermediate 5 (78%) as a pale yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.65-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.62 (t, 1H), 7.47 (dd, 1H), 7.32(dd, 1H), 6.92 (d, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.13 (s, 2H), 3.58(d, 2H), 3.16-3.26 (m, 2H), 2.89 (br s, 1H), 2.00-2.19 (m, 4H);LC-MS=378.8.

Intermediate 6 tert-Butyl4-(5-fluoro-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate Step1

To a solution of 2-bromo-5-fluoropyridine (20 g, 110 mmol) andtert-butyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-3,6-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxylate(35.1 g, 114 mmol) in THF (240 mL) was added Pd(PPh₃)₄(13.1 g, 11.4mmol), and Na₂CO₃ (24.1 g, 227 mmol). The resulting yellow reactionmixture was stirred at 90° C. for 48 h. The reaction was cooled to RT,diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×200 mL). Thecombined organic extracts were washed with brine (100 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by flash chromatography (1-20% EtOAc/PE gradient)to deliver tert-butyl5-fluoro-3′,6′-dihydro-[2,4′-bipyridine]-1′(2′H)-carboxylate (31 g, 98%)as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.41 (t, 1H), 7.37 (dd, 2H), 6.52(br s, 1H), 4.13 (d, 2H), 3.65 (m, 2H), 2.57-2.70 (m, 2H), 1.49 (s, 9H).

Step 2

To a colorless solution of tert-butyl5-fluoro-3′,6′-dihydro-[2,4′-bipyridine]-1′(2′H)-carboxylate (31 g, 110mmol) in EtOAc (300 mL) was added 10% wet Pd/C (1.2 g, 5.6 mmol). Theblack mixture was stirred at 25° C. under H₂ (15 psi) for 16 h. Themixture was filtered through a Celite® pad and concentrated underreduced pressure to deliver tert-butyl4-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (31 g, 99%) as acolorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.39 (d, 1H), 7.34 (td, 1H), 7.15 (dd,1H), 4.25 (br s, 2H), 2.74-2.93 (m, 3H), 1.89 (d, 2H), 1.69 (qd, 2H),1.48 (s, 9H).

Step 3

To a solution of deliver tert-butyl4-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (31 g, 110 mmol) in DCM(400 mL) was added m-CPBA (47.7 g, 276 mmol) at 0° C. The resultingreaction mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. The white suspension wasfiltered, and the filtrate then quenched with aq. Na₂SO₃ (200 mL). Theaq. layer was separated and then extracted with DCM (3×200). Thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (50 mL), dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude product was purified by flash chromatography (0.5-4% MeOH/DCMgradient) to deliver2-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl)-5-fluoropyridine 1-oxide (20g, 61%) as a solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.21 (dd, 1H), 7.11-7.18 (m, 1H),7.02-7.09 (m, 1H), 4.26 (br s, 2H), 3.58 (m, 1H), 2.89 (br s, 2H), 2.02(d, 2H), 1.43-1.52 (m, 11H).

Step 4

To a solution of2-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl)-5-fluoropyridine 1-oxide (10g, 34 mmol) in THF (150 mL) at 0° C. was added Et₃N (6.83 g, 67.5 mmol),and TFAA (70.9 g, 337 mmol), dropwise. The mixture was stirred at 0° C.for 1 h, and RT for 16 h. The light yellow solution was quenched withaq. NaHCO₃ (400 mL). The pH was adjusted to ˜4 with TFA and the mixtureextracted with EtOAc (3×200 mL). The combined organic extracts werewashed with brine (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified byflash chromatography (4-80% EtOAc in PE) to give Intermediate 6 (5.4 g,54%) as a solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 12.92 (br s, 1H), 7.17 (dd, 1H), 5.97(dd, 1H), 4.25 (br s, 2H), 2.86 (br s, 2H), 2.72 (t, 1H), 1.95 (d, 2H),1.56 (qd, 2H), 1.48 (s, 9H).

Intermediate 72-(4-(6-((4-Cyanobenzyl)oxy)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)aceticacid Step 1

To a solution of Intermediate 6 (2.0 g, 6.8 mmol), 4-cyanobenzyl alcohol(1.35 g, 10.1 mmol) and 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine (2.55 g, 10.1mmol) in PhCH₃ (30 mL) was added tri-n-butylphosphine (2.05 g, 10.1mmol), dropwise, under a N₂ atmosphere. The resulting light yellowsolution was stirred at 80° C. under N₂ atmosphere for 48 h. The mixturewas diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) and washed with water (100 mL). Theorganic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography(0-15% EtOAc/PE) to give tert-butyl4-(6-((4-cyanobenzyl)oxy)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate(1.72 g, 62% yield) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.67 (d, 2H),7.58 (d, 2H), 7.29 (dd, 1H), 6.71 (dd, 1H), 5.51 (s, 2H), 4.20 (br s,2H), 2.81 (t, 2H), 2.69 (dt, 1H), 1.81 (d, 2H), 1.65 (br s, 2H), 1.49(s, 9H).

Step 2

To a solution of tert-butyl4-(6-((4-cyanobenzyl)oxy)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate(1.72 g, 4.18 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) was added, dropwise, TFA (5 mL). Theresulting light yellow solution was stirred at 25° C. for 2 h. Themixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give4-(((3-fluoro-6-(piperidin-4-yl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)methyl)benzonitriletrifluoroacetate (1.3 g, quant.) as a light yellow solid. ¹H NMR (CD₃OD)δ 7.74 (d, 2H), 7.63 (d, 2H), 7.46 (dd, 1H), 6.89 (dd, 1H), 5.56 (s,2H), 3.42-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.11 (td, 2H), 2.96 (tt, 1H), 2.03-2.13 (m, 2H),1.87-2.02 (m, 2H).

Step 3

To a colorless solution of4-(((3-fluoro-6-(piperidin-4-yl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)methyl)benzonitriletrifluoroacetate (1.3 g, 4.2 mmol) and ethyl 2-bromoacetate (767 mg,4.59 mmol) in MeCN (20 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (2.89 g, 20.9 mmol). Theresulting white suspension was stirred at 60° C. for 3 h and left at RTfor 16 h. The mixture was filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (0-33%EtOAc in PE) to give ethyl2-(4-(6-((4-cyanobenzyl)oxy)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetate(1.07 g, 65%) as light yellow solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.58(d, 2H), 7.28 (dd, 1H), 6.72 (dd, 1H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 4.21 (m, 2H), 3.26(s, 2H), 3.06 (d, 2H), 2.55 (tt, 1H), 2.29 (dt, 2H), 1.94 (dq, 2H),1.77-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.30 (m, 3H).

Step 4

To a solution of ethyl2-(4-(6-((4-cyanobenzyl)oxy)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetate(1.07 g, 2.69 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was added, dropwise, a solution ofNaOH (162 mg, 4.04 mmol) in water (2 mL). The resulting colorlesssolution was stirred at 25° C. for 3 h. The mixture was diluted withwater (30 mL), extracted with MTBE (30 mL). The organic phase wasacidified to pH ˜7 with 2 M HCl and lyophilized for 16 h. The crudeproduct was purified by flash chromatography (0-5% MeOH/DCM gradient) togive Intermediate 7 (850 mg, 86% yield) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.46 (dd, 1H), 6.92 (dd, 1H), 5.59(s, 2H), 3.71-3.80 (m, 2H), 3.35 (s, 2H), 3.10-3.27 (m, 2H), 2.90-3.06(m, 1H), 2.11-2.29 (m, 2H), 2.01-2.10 (m, 2H), LC-MS(ES+): 369.9 (M+H).

Intermediate 8 rac-tert-Butyl(3R,4R)-4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-3-hydroxypiperidine-1-carboxylate

To a solution of Intermediate 1 (800 mg, 1.9 mmol) in THF (15 mL) at 0°C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added borane-THF complex (1 M in THF,2.1 mL, 2.1 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 minand then warmed to 30° C. for 30 min. The reaction vessel was thencooled to 0° C., opened to the air, and a solution of NaOH (190 mg, 4.8mmol) in water (5 mL) and hydrogen peroxide (30 wt % in water, 0.86 mL,9.6 mmol) was added slowly. The mixture was then warmed to 26° C. andstirred for 16 h. Aqueous Na₂SO₃ (15 mL) and NaHCO₃ (15 mL) were addedto the resulting white suspension and the mixture was extracted with DCM(3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (50 mL),dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude material was purified using column chromatography eluting withEtOAc in PE (10% to 30% to 60% gradient) to obtain Intermediate 8 as acolorless oil (320 mg, 38%). LC-MS(ES+): 437 (M+H), 459 (M+Na).

Intermediate 9rac-(3R,4R)-4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-3-oltrifluoroacetate

To a solution of Intermediate 8 (60 mg, 0.14 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) wasadded TFA (0.5 mL) at RT, and the mixture stirred for 1 h. The reactionmixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain crudeIntermediate 9 as a light yellow oil, which was used withoutpurification. LC-MS(ES+): 337 (M+H).

Intermediate 10rac-2-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-6-((3R,4R)-3-fluoropiperidin-4-yl)pyridinehydrochloride

To a solution of Intermediate 8 (60 mg, 0.14 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) 0° C.under a nitrogen atmosphere was added DAST (diethylaminosulfurtrifluoride, 38 mg, 0.23 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at 0°C. for 10 min and then at RT for 2 h. Water was then added to thesolution and the mixture extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combinedorganic solution was washed with brine and then concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude product was purified by prep-TLC(PE:EtOAc=10:1) to give rac-tert-butyl(3R,4R)-4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-3-fluoropiperidine-1-carboxylate(80 mg), which was used without further purification. The material wasdissolved in DCM (2 mL) at RT and 4 M HCl in EtOAc (1 mL) added,dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 1 h before being concentratedunder reduced pressure to give Intermediate 10 as a white solid. 1H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.65-7.77 (m, 1H), 7.51 (t, 1H), 7.18-7.32 (m, 2H),7.00 (d, 1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 5.09-5.33 (m, 1H), 3.72 (ddd,1H), 3.40-3.49 (m, 1H), 3.40-3.49 (m, 1H), 3.32-3.38 (m, 1H), 3.13-3.25(m, 1H), 2.08-2.39 (m, 2H). Note: the stereochemistry of the piperidinesubstituents was assigned as trans by analogy to published precedent(see, for example, WO 2010/022055), but was not confirmedexperimentally.

Intermediate 11rac-(3R,4S)-4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-3-olhydrochloride Step 1

To a solution of Intermediate 8 (170 mg, 0.39 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) 0° C.was added Et₃N (0.16 mL, 1.2 mmol) and MsCl (58 mg, 0.51 mmol) and themixture stirred for 2 h. The mixture was diluted with DCM (30 mL),washed with saturated aq. NH₄Cl and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and thenconcentrated under reduced pressure to afford a yellow oil. Thismaterial was dissolved in DMSO (1.5 mL) and added to a suspension ofcesium formate (140 mg, 0.78 mmol) in DMSO (1 mL). The mixture wasstirred at 120° C. for 4 h and 25° C. for 14 h. The mixture was pouredinto water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×15 mL). The combinedorganic solution was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified byprep-TLC (PE:EtOAc=4:1) to afford a colorless oil (60 mg).

The oil was dissolved in MeOH (2 mL) at RT, K₂CO₃ was added and themixture stirred for 1 h. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed withbrine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to givea crude product. The product was purified by preparative SFC to affordrac-tert-butyl(3R,4S)-4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-3-hydroxypiperidine-1-carboxylateas a yellow gum (20 mg, 12%). LC-MS(ES+): 437 (M+H), 459 (M+Na) SFCMethod: Column: OJ (250 mm×30 mm, 5 μm); Mobile phase: CO₂ w/15% iPrOH(0.1% NH₄OH); Flow rate: 60 ml/min; Wavelength: 220 nm. Retentiontime=3.65 min.

Step 2

To a solution of rac-tert-butyl(3R,4S)-4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-3-hydroxypiperidine-1-carboxylate(20 mg, 0.046 mmol) in EtOAc (4 mL) at 0° C. was added 4 M HCl in EtOAc(4 mL), and the mixture stirred for 2 h. The mixture was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure to afford crude example Intermediate11 as a light yellow oil, which was used without purification.LC-MS(ES+): 337 (M+H).

Intermediate 12arac-2-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-6-((3R,4S)-3-methylpiperidin-4-yl)pyridinetrifluoroacetate Intermediate 12brac-2-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-6-((3R,4R)-3-methylpiperidin-4-yl)pyridinetrifluoroacetate Step 1

rac-tert-butyl(3R,4S)-4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)-3-methylpiperidine-1-carboxylate andrac-tert-butyl(3R,4R)-4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)-3-methylpiperidine-1-carboxylate wereprepared using a route analogous to that described for Intermediates 1and 2, using tert-butyl3-methyl-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-3,6-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxylatein the Suzuki reaction. The mixture of cis and trans isomers wasseparated by column chromatography eluting with EtOAc in PE (0-15%gradient). The trans (rac-3R,4S)-isomer eluted first.

rac-tert-butyl(3R,4S)-4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)-3-methylpiperidine-1-carboxylate: ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.56 (t, 1H), 7.71 (d, 1H), 7.04 (d, 1H), 4.22(br s, 2H), 2.76 (br s, 1H), 2.43-2.39 (m, 2H), 2.02-1.92 (m, 1H),1.79-1.71 (m, 2H), 1.48 (s, 9H), 0.70 (d, 3H).

rac-tert-butyl(3R,4R)-4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)-3-methylpiperidine-1-carboxylate: ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.59 (t, 1H), 7.16 (d, 1H), 6.99 (d, 1H), 4.36(br s, 1H), 4.01 (br s, 1H), 3.05 (dt, 2H), 2.79 (br s, 1H), 2.33 (q,1H), 2.07-2.01 (m, 1H), 1.71 (d, 1H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 0.66 (d, 3H).

Step 2

Intermediates 12a and 12b were prepared from the respective separatedchloropyridine isomers by etherification in a manner analogous toIntermediate 3, step 1, and deprotection in a manner analogous toIntermediate 9, and used without purification.

Intermediate 133-Fluoro-4-(((6-(piperazin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)methyl)benzonitrile bishydrochloride Step 1

The reaction was carried out in two parallel batches; example batchpreparation follows: To a stirred suspension of KOtBu (313 g, 2.79 mol)in THF (4.0 L) was added 4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl alcohol (281 g, 1.86mol) portion-wise between 10-15° C. The mixture was stirred at 15° C.for 45 min and 2,6-dichloropyridine (230 g, 1.55 mol) was added inseveral portions to the reaction mixture at 15° C. and the mixture wasstirred at 15° C. for 18 h. The mixture was poured into sat. aq. NH₄Cl(10 L). EtOAc (10 L) was added and the mixture was stirred for 15 min.The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite®. The organic layer wasseparated and the aq. layer extracted with EtOAc (2×6.0 L). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (5.0 L), dried over Na₂SO₄,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product waspurified by column chromatography on silica gel (PE/EtOAc 10-15%gradient) to give4-(((6-chloropyridin-2-yl)oxy)methyl)-3-fluorobenzonitrile as a lightyellow solid. The combined batches yielded 550 g (67%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ7.67 (t, 1H), 7.58 (t, 1H), 7.48 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (dd, 1H), 6.97 (d, 1H),6.75 (d, 1H), 5.49 (s, 2H).

Step 2

To a stirred solution of4-(((6-chloropyridin-2-yl)oxy)methyl)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (180 g, 0.685mol) and tert-butyl piperazine-1-carboxylate (140 g, 0.754 mol) in PhCH₃(2.0 L) was added Cs₂CO₃ (446 g, 1.37 mol), BINAP (42.6 g, 0.0685 mol)and Pd₂(dba)₃ (31.4 g, 0.0343 mol) under N₂ at 15° C. The mixture wasdegassed and refilled with N₂ three times. The resulting mixture washeated to 120° C. under N₂ for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to80° C. and filtered through a pad of Celite®. The filter cake was washedwith EtOAc (4×1.0 L) and the combined organic layers were concentratedunder reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by columnchromatography on silica gel (PE/EtOAc 10-15% gradient). The product wastriturated with PE (1.0 L) with stirring at 10° C. for 2 h. The solidswere collected by filtration to yield tert-butyl4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate(168 g, 76%) as an off-white solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.62 (t, 1H),7.41-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.38 (dd, 1H), 6.20 (dd, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 3.37-3.57(m, 8H), 1.49 (s, 9H).

Step 3

To a solution of EtOH (2.8 mL, 48 mmol) in EtOAc (20 mL) was addedacetyl chloride (2.0 ml, 28 mmol), dropwise. After stirring for 1 h at40° C., tert-butyl4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate(1.75 g, 4.24 mmol) was added in one portion and the mixture was thenstirred at 40° C. for 2 h. The reaction was allowed to cool to RT andstirred for 1 h. EtOAc (10 mL) was added to the white suspension and theresultant slurry was stirred vigorously at RT for 1 h. The solid wascollected by filtration to provide the bis HCl salt of the desiredproduct Intermediate 13 (1.45 g, 89%) as a solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz,DMSO-d6) δ 9.45 (br s, 2H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.65-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.55 (m,1H), 6.44 (d, 1H), 6.22 (d, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 3.61-3.74 (m, 4H), 3.09(br s, 4H).

Intermediate 14(S)-1-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-3-methylpiperazinehydrochloride Step 1

To a solution of 2,3,5-trifluoropyridine (1.5 g, 11 mmol) and4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl alcohol (1.81 g, 11.3 mmol) in NMP (20 mL) wasadded K₂CO₃ (4.67 g, 33.8 mmol) at 25° C. and the mixture was stirred at100° C. for 16 h. The mixture was poured into water (30 mL) and thenextracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined organic extracts werewashed with brine (3×40 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified byflash chromatography (0 to 5% EtOAc/PE gradient) to give2-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-3,6-difluoropyridine (2.45 g, 80%) as acolorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.41-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.11-7.20 (m, 2H),6.47 (ddd, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H).

Step 2

To a solution of 2-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-3,6-difluoropyridine(200 mg, 0.731 mmol) and tert-butyl (S)-2-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate(161 mg, 0.804 mmol) in DMSO (3 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (303 mg, 2.19 mmol)at RT. The reaction was stirred at 120° C. for 18 h. The mixture waspoured into water (10 mL) and then extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). Thecombined organic extracts were washed with brine (3×20 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by Prep-TLC (15% EtOAc/PE) to give tert-butyl(S)-4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate(60 mg, 18%) as a colorless oil. LC-MS(ES+): 397.9 (M+H-tBu).

Step 3

To a solution of(S)-4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate(60 mg, 0.13 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added HCl/EtOAc (3 mL). Thesolution was stirred at 30° C. for 0.5 h. The suspension wasconcentrated under reduced pressure to deliver Intermediate 14 (50 mg,89%) as a solid. LC-MS(ES+): 353.9 (M+H).

Intermediate 15(S)-1-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-3-methylpiperazinehydrochloride Step 1

To a solution of 2,3,5-trifluoropyridine (500 mg, 3.76 mmol) andtert-butyl piperazine-1-carboxylate (753 mg, 3.76 mmol) in MeCN (8 mL)was added Et₃N (1.14 g, 11.3 mmol) at 30° C. and the reaction was heatedand then stirred at 70° C. for 16 h. The reaction mixture was pouredinto water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The combinedorganic extracts were washed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product waspurified by flash chromatography (0 to 5% EtOAc/PE) to give tert-butyl(S)-4-(3,6-difluoropyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate (870mg, 74%) as a pale brown oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.24-7.34 (m, 1H), 6.22(ddd, 1H), 4.31 (br s, 1H), 4.09 (ddt, 1H), 3.92 (dt, 2H), 3.22 (td,1H), 3.13 (dd, 1H), 2.93 (td, 1H), 1.49 (s, 9H), 1.23 (d, 3H).

Step 2

To a solution of 4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl alcohol (102 mg, 0.638 mmol) inDMF (2 mL) was added NaH (44.7 mg, 1.12 mmol, 60% in mineral oil). Theyellow mixture was stirred at 30° C. for 15 min. Then a solution oftert-butyl(S)-4-(3,6-difluoropyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate (100mg, 0.319 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added at RT. The reaction mixture wasstirred at 90° C. for 18 h. The reaction mixture were poured into water(30 mL) and then extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The combined organicextracts were washed with brine (3×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filteredand concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purifiedby Prep-TLC (EtOAc:PE 5:1) to give tert-butyl(S)-4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate(136 mg, 47%) as a colorless oil. LC-MS(ES+): 397.9 (M+H−tBu).

Step 3

To a solution of tert-butyl(S)-4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate(136 mg, 0.300 mmol) in DCM (4 mL) was added HCl/EtOAc (4 mL). Thesolution was stirred at 30° C. for 2 h. The suspension was concentratedunder reduced pressure to give Intermediate 15 (132 mg, quant.) as apale yellow solid. LC-MS(ES+): 354.1 (M+H).

Methyl 4-amino-3-(methylamino)benzoate Step 1

To a solution of methyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate (5.10 g, 25.6 mmol) inTHF (60 mL) was added methylamine (38.4 mL, 76.8 mmol, 2 M in THF),dropwise, over 10 min. The pale yellow solution turned deep orangeimmediately upon addition and was stirred 2 h at RT. The mixture wasdiluted with Et₂O (100 mL) and the separated organic layer washed withwater (50 mL) and brine (50 mL). The organic layer was dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield 5.26 gof methyl 3-(methylamino)-4-nitrobenzoate (98%) as a deep orange solid.¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.21 (d, 1H), 7.99 (br s, 1H), 7.54 (d, 1H),7.23 (dd, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.08 (d, 3H); LC-MS(ES+): 211.1 (M+H).

Step 2

Methyl 3-(methylamino)-4-nitrobenzoate (5.26 g, 25.0 mmol) was dissolvedin EtOH (150 mL). The solution was added to 500 mL Parr® bottlepreviously charged with 1 g 10% Pd/C (50% water). The mixture was shakenunder 50 psi H₂ atmosphere for 1 h at RT. The mixture was filtered andthe filtercake rinsed with EtOH (100 mL). The colorless filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure to yield 4.38 g of Intermediate 16(97%) as an off-white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.47 (dd, 1H),7.35 (d, 1H), 6.69 (d, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.75 (br s, 2H), 3.22 (br s,1H), 2.92 (s, 3H); MS(APCl+): 181.1 (M+H).

Intermediate 17 Methyl2-(chloromethyl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate

Intermediate 16 (206 mg, 1.14 mmol) was dissolved in dioxane (11.5 mL)and treated with chloroacetyl chloride (109 μL, 1.37 mmol). The mixturewas stirred at 100° C. for 3 h and cooled to RT. Et₃N (0.8 mL, 7 mmol)and heptane (10 mL) were added and filtered. The filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and the crude product was purifiedby flash chromatography (silica gel column, 40% EtOAc/heptanes) toafford 120 mg of Intermediate 17 (44%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.14(s, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 4.87 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.94(s, 3H); LC-MS(ES+): 239.1 (M+H).

Intermediate 18 Methyl 4-amino-3-((2-methoxyethyl)amino)benzoate Step 1

To a colorless solution of methyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate (50 g, 250mmol) in THF (400 mL) was added Et₃N (40.7 g, 402 mmol, 55.8 mL)followed by addition of 2-methoxyethylamine (30.2 g, 402 mmol) in THF(100 mL), dropwise, at RT. The resultant yellow solution was stirred at55° C. for 18 h. The solution was cooled to RT and concentrated underreduced pressure to remove THF. The resultant yellow solid was dissolvedin EtOAc (800 mL) and washed with sat. aq. NH₄Cl (250 mL). The aq. phasewas separated and extracted with EtOAc (200 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with brine (3×250 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filteredand concentrated under reduced pressure to yield methyl3-((2-methoxyethyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate (60.2 g, 94%) as a yellowsolid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.23 (d, 1H), 8.17 (br s, 1H), 7.58 (d, 1H),7.25 (dd, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.69-3.73 (m, 2H), 3.56 (m, 2H), 3.45 (s,3H); LC-MS(ES+): 255.4 (M+H).

Step 2

To solution of methyl 3-((2-methoxyethyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate (30 g,118 mmol) in MeOH (500 mL) was added Pd/C (10 g, 94 mmol). This reactionwas stirred at RT under 15 psi H₂ for 18 h. The black suspension wasfiltered through Celite® and the filtercake washed with MeOH (500 mL).The combined filtrates were concentrated under vacuum to giveIntermediate 18 (26.5 g, quant.) as a brown oil which solidified onstanding. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.48 (dd, 1H), 7.36 (d, 1H), 6.69(d, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.77 (br.s, 2H), 3.68 (t, 2H), 3.41 (s, 3H), 3.32(t, 2H); LC-MS(ES+): 224.7 (M+H).

Intermediate 19 Methyl2-(chloromethyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylatehydrochloride

A solution of Intermediate 18 (5.0 g, 24 mmol) in dioxane (100 mL) washeated to 100° C., a solution of chloroacetic anhydride (4.1 g, 24.5mmol) in dioxane (60 mL) was added via addition funnel over a period of10 h, and then stirred for another 12 h at 100° C. The following day,the reaction was cooled to RT and the dioxane was removed under reducedpressure. The crude reaction mixture was dissolved in EtOAc and washedwith saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The EtOAc layer was separated and driedover Na₂SO₄ and filtered. A solution of 4 M HCl in dioxane (1.1 equiv.)was added to the EtOAc solution of the product with constant stirring.The HCl salt of desired product precipitated out as a pale yellow solid.The suspension was stirred for 1 h and the product then collected byfiltration to obtain Intermediate 19 as a yellow solid (6.1 g 86%). ¹HNMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.64 (s, 1H), 8.30 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 5.32(s, 2H), 4.84 (m, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.83 (t, 2H), 3.31 (s, 3H).LC-MS(ES+): 283.2 (M+H).

Intermediate 20 (S)-Oxetan-2-ylmethyl methanesulfonate Step 1

To a solution of potassium t-butoxide (670 g, 5.98 mol) in t-BuOH (5 L)was added trimethylsulfoxonium iodide (1.32 kg, 5.98 mol) at 25° C. Themixture was heated to 60° C. and stirred for 30 min, then(S)-2-((benzyloxy)methyl)oxirane (500 g, 2.99 mol) was added. Themixture was heated to 80° C. for 2 h. The mixture was cooled to 25° C.and filtered through Celite®. The solids were washed with PE (3×2 L).The filtrate was treated with water (10 L) and extracted with PE (2×5L). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried, filtered andconcentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by columnchromatography (PE/EtOAc gradient from 15:1 to 10:1) to deliver(S)-2-((benzyloxy)methyl)oxetane (280 g, 52.6%) as a clear oil. ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.15-7.34 (m, 5H), 4.90 (tdd, 1H), 4.44-4.67 (m, 4H),3.49-3.63 (m, 2H), 2.44-2.66 (m, 2H).

Step 2

The reaction was carried out in two parallel batches; an example batchfollows: To a solution of (S)-2-((benzyloxy)methyl)oxetane (140 g, 780mmol) in THF (1.4 L) was added Pd(OH)₂ (14 g) under a blanket ofnitrogen. The mixture was heated to 45° C. and stirred under H₂ (50 psi)for 16 h. The mixture was cooled to 25° C. and filtered through Celite®to deliver the desired compound (S)-oxetan-2-ylmethanol as a solution inTHF. A small aliquot was checked by ¹H NMR and the remaining solutionused directly in the next step. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 4.76-4.90(m, 1H), 4.66 (tdd, 1H), 4.46 (ddd, 1H), 4.37 (td, 1H), 3.47 (dd, 2H),2.32-2.58 (m, 2H).

Step 3

The reaction was carried out in two parallel batches; an example batchfollows: To a solution of (S)-oxetan-2-ylmethanol (from Step 2, assumed69 g, 780 mmol) in THF (1.4 L) was added Et₃N (197 g, 1.95 mol) at 0° C.Methanesulfonic anhydride (204 g, 1.17 mol) was added, dropwise, keepingthe internal temperature below 10° C. The mixture was stirred at 25° C.for 2 h. The two batches were combined and the mixture was treated withwater (1 L) and the layers separated. The aq. phase was extracted withDCM (3×2 L). The combined organic solution was dried, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified bycolumn chromatography (EtOAc/PE 50-100% gradient) to yield Intermediate20 (250 g, 96% for two steps) as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ4.98-5.09 (m, 1H), 4.69 (ddd, 1H), 4.59 (td, 1H), 4.37 (d, 2H), 3.11 (s,3H), 2.72-2.82 (m, 1H), 2.64 (tdd, 1H).

Intermediate 21 Methyl (S)-4-nitro-3-((oxetan-2-ylmethyl)amino)benzoateStep 1

To a solution of (S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl methanesulfonate (180 g, 1.08mol) in DMF (1.2 L) was added sodium azide (105 g, 1.62 mol). Themixture was heated to 80° C. and stirred for 16 h. The mixture wascooled to 0° C. and treated with diethyl ether (1.5 L) and the resultantsuspension was stirred for 30 min. The solids were removed by filtrationand the filter cake was washed with diethyl ether (2×200 mL). Thediethyl ether was removed under vacuum at 25° C. to deliver a solutionof (S)-2-(azidomethyl)oxetane in DMF (˜1.2 L), which was used directlyin the next step.

Step 2

The reaction was carried out in three parallel batches; an example batchfollows: To a solution of (S)-2-(azidomethyl)oxetane (assumed 41 g, 360mmol) in DMF (˜400 mL) and THF (1 L) was added 10% Pd/C (50 wt % wet, 13g) under a blanket of nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at 25° C. underH₂ (50 psi) for 16 h. The solution was filtered through Celite®, 10%Pd/C (dry, 4.0 g) added and the mixture stirred at 40° C. under H₂ (50psi) for 3 h, after which TLC analysis indicated complete reaction. Themixture was cooled to 0° C. and all three batches were combined. Themixture was filtered through Celite® to obtain a solution of(S)-2-(aminomethyl)oxetane in DMF (˜1.4 L) and THF (˜2.6 L), which wasused directly in the next step.

Step 3

To a solution of (S)-2-(aminomethyl)oxetane (assumed 94 g, 1.08 mol) inDMF (˜1.4 L) and THF (˜2.6 L) were added Et₃N (327 g, 3.24 mol) andmethyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate (200 g, 1.0 mol) at 25° C. The mixturewas stirred at 25° C. for 16 h. The mixture was concentrated underreduced pressure to remove THF and the remaining solution was dilutedwith water (1 L). The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2×1.5 L). Thecombined organic extracts were washed with brine (2×), dried andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified bycolumn chromatography (EtOAc/PE=10-50% gradient) to deliver Intermediate21 (158 g, 55%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.38 (br s,1H), 8.25 (d, 1H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, 1H), 5.13-5.20 (m, 1H),4.70-4.82 (m, 1H), 4.64 (td, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.57-3.71 (m, 2H),2.71-2.86 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.70 (m, 1H); MS(ES+)=266.7.

Intermediate 22 Methyl (S)-4-amino-3-((oxetan-2-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate

Intermediate 21 (15 g, 56 mmol) was dissolved in THF (100 mL) in a Parr®reactor. Pd/C (10% w/w, 1.5 g) was added to the reactor and the mixturewas shaken at RT under 50 psi H₂ for 4 h. The mixture was filteredthrough Celite® and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressureto deliver Intermediate 22 (12.3 g, 92%) as a tan solid. ¹H NMR (600MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.49 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H), 6.70 (d, 1H), 5.05-5.18 (m,1H), 4.76 (ddd, 1H), 4.62 (dt, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.42-3.50 (m, 1H),3.34-3.40 (m, 1H), 2.71-2.82 (m, 1H), 2.60 (ddt, 1H).

Intermediate 23 Methyl(S)-2-(chloromethyl)-1-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate

To a solution of Intermediate 22 (127 g, 0.54 mol) in MeCN (500 mL) wasadded 2-chloro-1,1,1-trimethoxy ethane (76.2 ml, 0.57 mol) and pTSA.H₂O(5.12 g, 26.9 mmol). The mixture was heated to 60° C. for 1 h. Thereaction was cooled to RT and concentrated under reduced pressure. Theresultant crude product was triturated in 50% EtOAc/heptane. The solidswere collected by filtration to deliver Intermediate 23 (79 g, 50%) as atan solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.12 (s, 1H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 7.79(d, 1H), 5.16-5.26 (m, 1H), 5.03 (s, 2H), 4.57-4.66 (m, 2H), 4.48-4.56(m, 1H), 4.33 (m, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 2.71-2.81 (m, 1H), 2.36-2.47 (m,1H).

Intermediate 24 Methyl 6-chloro-5-nitropicolinate Step 1

2-Chloro-6-methyl-3-nitropyridine (97 g, 560 mmol) was slowly added to aflask previously charged with 18 M H₂SO₄ (400 mL) with stirring.Chromium trioxide (169 g, 1.69 mol) was added to the reaction mixture insmall portions keeping the temperature below 50° C. The reaction mixturewas stirred at 15° C. for 20 h. The resultant green gum was poured into2 Kg of ice and the resultant solids collected by filtration and driedunder vacuum to yield 6-chloro-5-nitropicolinic acid (103 g, 90%) as apale solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.70 (d, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H).

Step 2

To a suspension 6-chloro-5-nitropicolinic acid (103 g, 508.51 mmol) inCH₂Cl₂ (1 L) was added oxalyl chloride (129 g, 1.02 mol) and DMF (6 mL)at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 1 h. MeOH (60mL) was added to the reaction mixture at 15° C. The solution was stirredat 15° C. for an additional 10 min. The yellow solution was concentratedunder reduced pressure and the resultant crude product was purified bycolumn chromatography (EtOAc/PE: 0-20% gradient) to deliver Intermediate24 (106 g, 96%) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.55 (d, 1H), 8.27(d, 1H), 4.01 (s, 3H).

Intermediate 25 Methyl(S)-5-nitro-6-((oxetan-2-ylmethyl)amino)picolinate Step 1

A solution of (S)-2-(aminomethyl)oxetane (assumed 152 g, 1.7 mol) in DMF(3 L) and THF (3 L) was prepared from Intermediate 20 as described forIntermediate 21 (steps 1 and 2). Intermediate 24 (270 g, 1.25 mol) andEt₃N (500 g, 5.1 mol) were added to a solution of Intermediate 20 (152g, 1.7 mol) in DMF (3 L) and THF (3 L) at 25° C. The mixture was stirredat 25° C. for 16 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressureto remove the THF and water (5 L) added. The mixture was extracted withEtOAc (2×5 L) and the combined organic solutions were washed with brine(2×), dried and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude materialwas combined with a second batch of crude product from a similarexperiment (70 g) and the solids triturated with PE:EtOAc (4:1, 500 mL)for 2 h. The solids were collected by filtration and dried to provideIntermediate 25 (304 g, 52%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃)δ 8.58 (br s, 1H), 8.56 (d, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H), 5.08-5.18 (m, 1H), 4.73(ddd, 1H), 4.61 (td, 1H), 4.06-4.16 (m, 1H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.88-3.97 (m,1H), 2.68-2.80 (m, 1H), 2.55 (tdd, 1H).

Intermediate 26 Methyl(S)-5-amino-6-((oxetan-2-ylmethyl)amino)picolinate

Intermediate 25 (10 g, 37 mmol) was suspended in MeOH (150 mL) andtreated with 10% Pd/C (1.0 g) and the mixture was stirred at RT under 50psi H₂ for 4 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite® and thefiltrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to yield Intermediate26 (8.4 g, 95%) as a yellow oil which solidified on standing. ¹H NMR(600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.49 (d, 1H), 6.86 (d, 1H), 5.06-5.15 (m, 1H),4.68-4.77 (m, 1H), 4.53-4.63 (m, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.80-3.86 (m, 2H),3.72 (br s, 2H), 2.68-2.78 (m, 1H), 2.52-2.61 (m, 1H).

Intermediate 27 Methyl(S)-2-(chloromethyl)-3-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylate

In a 2 L, 3 neck flask equipped with a mechanical overhead stirrerIntermediate 26 (43.0 g, 181 mmol) was taken up in THF (780 mL). Theresultant pale pink suspension was treated with a solution ofchloroacetic anhydride (33.5 g, 190 mmol in 100 mL THF) via additionfunnel over 30 min. The resultant light amber solution was stirred at RTfor 2 h and then heated at 60° C. for 7 h. The reaction mixture wascooled to RT. Approximately 400 mL of solvent from the reaction wasremoved under reduced pressure on a rotary evaporator. The resultingsolution was diluted with EtOAc, (500 mL) and treated with sat. aq.NaHCO₃ (200 mL). The biphasic mixture was stirred at RT for 30 min. Theorganic layer was separated and the aq. layer was extracted with EtOAc(500 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (500 mL),dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure toyield Intermediate 27 (52.5 g, 98%) as a yellowish brown solid. ¹H NMR(600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.14 (d, 2H), 5.19-5.28 (m, 1H), 4.99-5.16 (m, 2H),4.70-4.88 (m, 2H), 4.55-4.67 (m, 1H), 4.24-4.44 (m, 1H), 4.01 (s, 3H),2.70-2.88 (m, 1H), 2.37-2.53 (m, 1H); LC-MS(ES+): 296.4 (M+H).

Intermediate 28 cis (+/−) Methyl3-(((2-methoxycyclopentyl)methyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate Step 1

To a flask containing cis (+/−)-2-(aminomethyl)cyclopentan-1-ol (300 mg,2.60 mmol), methyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate (571 mg, 2.87 mmol) and Et₃N(1.1 mL, 7.8 mmol) was added DMF and the mixture was stirred overnight.The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc.The organic extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and thecrude product was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/heptanes) todeliver cis (+/−) methyl3-(((-2-hydroxycyclopentyl)methyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate (493 mg, 64%).1H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.21 (br s, 1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.62 (s, 1H), 7.20 (d,1H), 4.38 (br s, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.60 (ddd, 1H), 3.38-3.50 (m, 1H),2.13-2.25 (m, 1H), 1.84-2.01 (m, 3H), 1.57-1.78 (m, 4H).

Step 2

To a flask containing solution of cis (+/−) methyl3-(((2-hydroxycyclopentyl)methyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate (0.48 g, 1.6mmol) in DCM (50 mL) was added 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene (0.35g, 1.6 mmol). The solution was stirred for 5 min and thentrimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate (0.48 g, 3.3 mmol) was added inportions over 10 min. The reaction mixture was then stirred anadditional 18 h at RT. Water was added to the flask and the resultingmixture was extracted with DCM. The combined organic layers werefiltered and the solution was concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude mixture was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/heptanes) toobtain Intermediate 28 (0.4 g, 80%). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.19 (d,1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.20-7.12 (m, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.57-3.50 (m, 1H),3.43 (dd, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 2.22 (d, 1H), 1.89-1.43 (m, 7H).

Intermediate 29 tert-Butyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate

3-Fluoro-4-nitrobenzoic acid (2.60 g, 14.0 mmol) was dissolved in THF(30 mL), the mixture treated with Boc anhydride (6.13 g, 28.1 mmol) andDMAP (525 mg, 4.21 mmol), and then stirred at RT. A thick slurry quicklyformed and was then stirred for 3 h at 40° C. during which time theslurry became a tan solution. After concentrating the reaction mixtureunder reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in EtOAc, adsorbedonto silica gel and then eluted through a short pad of silica gel with50% EtOAc/Heptane. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressureto yield Intermediate 29 (8.88 g, 68%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (600MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.05-8.09 (m, 1H), 7.86-7.90 (m, 2H), 1.61 (s, 9H).

Intermediate 30 5-Bromo-N³-methylpyridine-2,3-diamine Intermediate 315-Bromo-N³,6-dimethylpyridine-2,3-diamine

Intermediate 30 was synthesized according to the literature procedure(Choi, J. Y. et al. J. Med. Chem. 2012, 55, 852-870). Intermediate 31was synthesized using the same method.

Intermediate 32 Methyl2-(chloromethyl)-1-((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateStep 1

To a colorless solution of methyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate (1.0 g, 5.0mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added (1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methanamine(670 mg, 6.0 mmol) and Et₃N (762 mg, 7.53 mmol), slowly. The solutionwas stirred at 60° C. for 16 h. The reaction mixture was poured into H₂O(30 mL) and extracted with DCM (3×30 mL). The combined organic extractswere dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (20%MeOH/DCM). The obtained yellow solid was triturated with 30:1 PE/EtOActo deliver methyl3-(((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate (1.2 g,82%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.26 (d, 1H), 7.96 (br s, 1H),7.71 (d, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.35 (dd, 1H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 4.55 (d, 2H),3.97 (s, 3H), 3.68 (s, 3H).

Step 2

To a yellow suspension of methyl3-(((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate (5.46 g,18.8 mmol) in MeOH (160 mL) was added wet 10% Pd/C (1 g). The mixturewas stirred under 1 atm H₂ for 36 h at 20° C. The reaction mixture wasfiltered and the filter cake rinsed with MeOH (200 mL). The filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure to deliver methyl4-amino-3-(((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate (4.8 g,98%) as a brown solid. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.18 (d, 1H),7.13 (s, 1H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 6.55 (d, 1H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 4.84 (t, 1H),4.23 (d, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.63 (s, 3H).

Step 3

A red mixture of methyl4-amino-3-(((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate (780 mg,3.00 mmol) and 2-hydroxyacetic acid (342 mg, 4.49 mmol) in mesitylene (8mL) was stirred at 140° C. under N₂ for 14 h and at 25° C. for 48 h. Theclear yellow solution was decanted off to give a brown residue that wasdissolved in MeOH (50 mL) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude product was purified by flash chromatography (20% MeOH/DCM) togive methyl2-(hydroxymethyl)-1-((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(318 mg, 35%) as a yellow foam. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 8.13 (d, 1H), 7.83(dd, 1H), 7.71 (d, 1H), 7.60 (s, 1H), 6.59 (s, 1H), 5.69 (s, 2H), 4.76(s, 2H), 3.91 (s, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.53 (s, 3H).

Step 4

To a yellow suspension of2-(hydroxymethyl)-1-((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(500 mg, 1.66 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and DMF (3 mL) was added SOCl₂ (990mg, 0.60 mL, 8.32 mmol), dropwise, at RT. The reaction mixture wasstirred at RT for 1 h, concentrated under reduced pressure and theresultant brown residue was triturated with DCM (10 mL). The solids werecollected by filtration, rinsed with DCM (5 mL) and dried under vacuumto give Intermediate 32 (431 mg, 73%) as an off-white solid. ¹H NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.17 (s, 1H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 7.91-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.77-7.87(m, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H), 5.92 (s, 2H), 5.13 (s, 2H),) 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.86(s, 3H); MS(ES+): 319.0 (M+H).

Intermediate 335-Chloro-2-(chloromethyl)-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine Step 1

To a suspension of 2,6-dichloro-3-nitropyridine (200 g, 1.04 mol) andNa₂CO₃ (132 g, 1.24 mol) in EtOH (1 L) was added 2.0 M MeNH₂ in THF (622mL, 1.24 mol), dropwise, at 0° C. via syringe. After the addition, thereaction mixture was stirred at 18° C. for 6 h. The yellow mixture wasfiltered and the filtrate concentrated under reduced pressure to give ayellow solid. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography(PE/EtOAc 0-5%) to afford 6-chloro-N-methyl-3-nitropyridin-2-amine (158g, 81% yield) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 8.72 (br s, 1H),8.41 (d, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 3.00 (d, 3H).

Step 2

To a mixture of 6-chloro-N-methyl-3-nitropyridin-2-amine (15.8 g, 84.2mmol) in AcOH (100 mL) was added iron powder (15.4 g, 276 mmol). Theyellow mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 3 h. The reaction was cooled toRT and filtered. The filtercake was washed with EtOAc (2×100). Thecombined organic layers were concentrated under reduced pressure and thecrude product was purified by flash chromatography (120 g silica gel,50% EtOAc/PE) to afford 3-amino-6-chloro-2-methylaminopyridine (8.40 g,63% yield) as a brown solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.80 (d, 1H), 6.50 (d,1H), 3.39 (br s, 2H), 3.01 (s, 3H).

Step 3

To a solution of 3-amino-6-chloro-2-methylaminopyridine (50.0 g, 317mmol) in dioxane (1.2 L) was added chloroacetyl chloride (55.5 mL, 698mmol) and the mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 50 min. The brownmixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give a brown solidwhich was taken up in TFA (1.2 L) and stirred at 80° C. for 60 h. Themixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give a brown oil. Theoil was diluted with EtOAc (1 L) and neutralized with sat. aq. NaHCO₃.When CO₂ evolution subsided the layers were separated and the aq. layerextracted with EtOAc (200 mL). The organic extracts were combined, driedover Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by flash chromatography (10-25% EtOAc/PE gradient)to afford Intermediate 33 (61.0 g, 79%) yield as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR(400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.13 (d, 1H), 7.37 (d, 1H), 5.11 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s,

Intermediate 34 Methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate

To a mixture of Intermediate 3 (13.0 g, 23.8 mmol) and Intermediate 19(6.72 g, 23.8 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (16.4 g, 119 mmol) in MeCN (200 mL) wasstirred at 50° C. for 12 h. The mixture was cooled to RT and poured intowater (200 mL). The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×500 mL) and thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (2×500 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by flash chromatography (120 g, silica gel, 0-2%MeOH/DCM gradient) to deliver Intermediate 34 (12.5 g, 93%) as a paleyellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.16 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, 1H), 7.75(d, 1H), 7.50 (t, 1H), 7.44 (t, 1H), 7.11 (m, 2H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 6.61(d, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 4.64 (t, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 2H), 3.79(t, 2H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 2.99 (d, 2H), 2.58-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.29 (t, 2H),1.78-1.91 (m, 4H).

Intermediate 35 Methyl1-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-((4-(6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate

To a stirred suspension of Intermediate 34 (500 mg, 0.88 mmol) in MeOH(10 mL) was added 4 M HCl in dioxane (4.5 ml, 20 mmol). The reaction washeated to 70° C. and stirred for 18 h. The mixture was then cooled to RTand concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was taken up insat. aq. NaHCO₃ and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined organicextracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in aminimum of DCM and PE was added slowly until precipitate formed. Themixture was stirred to granulate solids for 2 h. The solids wereisolated by filtration and rinsed with PE to give Intermediate 35 (280mg, 75%) as an off-white solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 11.43 (br s,1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.73 (d, 1H), 7.36 (dd, 1H), 6.39 (d,1H), 6.02 (d, 1H), 4.61 (t, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 2H), 3.75 (t,2H), 3.29 (s, 3H), 2.99 (d, 2H), 2.51 (t, 1H), 2.30 (t, 2H), 1.93 (d,2H), 1.72 (qd, 2H).

Intermediate 36 Methyl2-((4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateStep 1

To a colorless solution of Intermediate 2 (6.00 g, 20.2 mmol) in DCM (60mL) was added 4 M HCl/EtOAc (60 mL) and the solution turned turbid. Thesuspension was stirred at 20° C. for 2 h, and then concentrated underreduced pressure to give 2-chloro-6-(piperidin-4-yl)pyridinehydrochloride (5.45 g, 99%) as a solid. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 9.32 (br s,1H), 8.95 (br s, 1H), 7.83 (t, 1H), 7.37 (d, 1H), 7.31 (d, 1H), 3.31 (d,2H), 2.89-3.06 (m, 3H), 1.85-2.04 (m, 4H).

Step 2

To a mixture of 2-chloro-6-(piperidin-4-yl)pyridine hydrochloride (5.45g, 20.2 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (8.38 g, 60.6 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was addedethyl 2-bromoacetate (4.05 g, 24.3 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 20°C. for 2 h and then diluted with EtOAc (300 mL) and washed with water(100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (200 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/PE 5-15% gradient)to afford ethyl 2-(4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetate (5.44g, 95%) as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.59 (t, 1H), 7.16 (d, 1H),7.11 (d, 1H), 4.21 (q, 2H), 3.26 (s, 2H), 3.08 (d, 2H), 2.72 (tt, 1H),2.31 (dt, 2H), 1.82-2.02 (m, 4H), 1.29 (t, 3H).

Step 3

To a solution of ethyl 2-(4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetate(5.44 g, 19.2 mmol) in EtOH (50 mL) was added 5 M NaOH (11.5 mL, 57.5mmol). The solution was stirred at 25° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixturewas quenched with 1 M HCl and extracted with DCM/MeOH (10:1, 5×80 mL).The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure to afford2-(4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetic acid (4.50 g, 92%) as ayellow solid. ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.71 (t, 1H), 7.24 (d, 2H), 3.20 (d, 2H),3.13 (br s, 2H), 2.70-2.83 (m, 1H), 2.29 (br s, 2H), 1.83-2.06 (m, 4H).

Step 4

To a yellow solution of 2-(4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)aceticacid (4.50 g, 17.7 mmol) and Intermediate 16 (3.50 g, 19.4 mmol) in DMF(50 mL) was added HATU (8.06 g, 21.2 mmol) at RT. The reaction mixturewas stirred at 15° C. for 20 min, and then Et₃N (3.58 g, 35.3 mmol) wasadded. The yellow mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 h. The resultingbrown mixture was poured into water (160 mL) and extracted with EtOAc(3×100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (3×100mL). The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flashchromatography (MeOH/DCM 0-5% gradient) to afford methyl4-amino-3-(2-(4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)-N-methylacetamido)benzoate(7.37 g, quant.) as a yellow oil. LC-MS(ES+): 417.1 (M+H).

Step 5

A mixture of methyl4-amino-3-(2-(4-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)-N-methyl-acetamido)benzoate(7.37 g, 17.7 mmol) in AcOH (100 mL) was stirred at 60° C. for 16 h. Thebrown mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give a brownoil which was taken up in EtOAc (300 mL) and washed with sat. aq. NaHCO₃(100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (3×100 mL), dried overMgSO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/PE 0-50% gradient)to afford Intermediate 36 (3.51 g, 50%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR(CDCl₃) δ ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.14 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.75 (d,1H), 7.58 (t, 1H), 7.17 (d, 1H), 7.10 (d, 1H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.97 (s,3H), 3.95 (br s, 2H), 3.09 (d, 2H), 2.77 (br s, 1H), 2.43 (br s, 2H),1.83-2.04 (m, 4H); LC-MS(ES+): 399.1 (M+H).

2-((4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylicacid hydrochloride Step 1

Intermediate 17 (115 mg, 0.482 mmol), Intermediate 3 (178 mg, 0.554mmol) and K₂CO₃ (133 mg, 0.96 mmol) were combined in MeCN (4.8 mL) andthe mixture was allowed to stir at 35° C. for 3 h. The reaction wascooled to RT, diluted with EtOAc and extracted with water. The organiclayer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The resultant crude product was purified by flashchromatography (24 g silica, 0-100% EtOAc/heptane) to deliver 215 mg ofmethyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(85%) as a white foam. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.10 (br s, 1H), 7.95(d, 1H), 7.72 (d, 1H), 7.51-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.07 (br s, 2H), 6.71 (br s,1H), 6.57 (d, 1H), 5.38 (br s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.84 (brs, 2H), 2.97 (br s, 2H), 2.59 (br s, 1H), 2.27 (br s, 2H), 1.75-1.93 (m,4H); LC-MS(ES+): 523.3 (M+H).

Step 2

Methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(215 mg, 0.411 mmol) was suspended in MeOH (4 mL) and treated with 2 MNaOH (820 μL, 1.64 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at 40° C. for3 h and 14 h at RT. The reaction was heated back up to 40° C. andacidified with 1 M HCl (2.50 mL, 2.50 mmol). The mixture was allowed tocool to RT and as a precipitate began to form, a N₂ steam was blown overthe reaction to remove approximately half of the MeOH. The solid wasthen collected by filtration, washed with H₂O (2×2 mL), and then driedunder N₂ to deliver Example 1A-01 (155 mg, 69%) as a solid. ¹H NMR (600MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.74 (br s, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.58-7.65(m, 2H), 7.54 (t, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 7.27 (d, 1H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 6.65(d, 1H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 2H), 2.93 (d, 2H), 2.57(t, 1H), 2.19 (t, 2H), 1.73-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.64-1.73 (m, 2H); LC-MS(ES+):509.2 (M+H).

The compounds listed in Table 1 below were prepared using proceduresanalogous to those described above for the synthesis of Compound 1A-01using the appropriate starting materials which are availablecommercially, prepared using preparations well-known to those skilled inthe art, or prepared in a manner analogous to routes described above forother intermediates. The compounds were purified using methods wellknown to those skilled in the art and may include silica gelchromatography, HPLC, or crystallization from the reaction mixture. Thefinal compounds may have been isolated as neutrals or acid or basesalts.

TABLE 1 Ex. # Name NMR data/LC-MS data 1A-02 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.99 (d,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.71 (d, 1H), 7.60 (t, 1H), 7.50 (t,1H), 7.17-7.25 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2- (m, 2H), 6.86 (d, 1H),6.67 (d, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.68 methoxyethyl)-1H- (t, 2H), 4.25 (br s,2H), 3.81 (t, 2H), 3.35 (s, 3H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 2.67-2.88(m, 3H), 2.00 (br s, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): acid 556.3 (M + H). 1A-032-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.41 (d, 1H), 8.12(dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.65 (m, 1H),7.60-7.48 (m, 3H), methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- 6.43 (d, 1H), 6.27(d, 1H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 4.68 (m, 2H), (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- 4.57 (d, 1H),4.17-4.01 (m, 2H), 3.80 (m, 2H), 3.52 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (m,3H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 3.30-3.18 (m, 1H), 1.43 (d, acid 3H). LC-MS(ES+):559.2 (M + H). 1A-04 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.32 (s, 1H), 7.99- fluorobenzyl)oxy]-5- 8.11 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.84 (m,1H), 7.50-7.57 (m, 1H), fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1- 7.43-7.49 (m,1H), 7.19-7.29 (m, 2H), 6.89-6.99 (m, yl)methyl]-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H), 5.29-5.65 (m, 2H), 4.78-4.81 (m, 2H), 4.63 (s,1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 2H), 3.83-3.96 (m, 2H), 3.72-3.78 (m, 2H),3.35-3.46 acid (m, 2H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 2.95-3.13 (m, 1H), 2.21 (d, 4H).LC-MS(ES+): 570.0 (M + H). 1A-05 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- LCMS E(4-302)XBridge C18 2.1 × 50 mm, 5 μm; fluorobenzyl)oxy]-3- Mobile phase: 1.0%MeCN in water (0.1% TFA) to fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1- 5% MeCN inwater (0.1% TFA) in 0.6 min; then from yl)methyl]-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-5.0% MeCN in water (0.1% TFA) to 100% MeCN 1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic(0.1% TFA) in 3.4 min; then back to 1.0% MeCN in acid water (0.1% TFA)until 4.3 min, and hold 0.7 min. Flow rate: 0.8 ml/min. Retention time:2.95 min. LC- MS(ES+): 572.2 (M + H). 1A-06 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.43 (d, 1H), 8.13 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]-3-1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.51-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.18 (m,fluoropyridin-2-yl}-2- 2H), 6.36 (dd, 1H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 4.69 (q, 2H),4.56 methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- (d, 1H), 3.97 (m, 2H), 3.80 (t,2H), 3.56 (m, 3H), 3.29 (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (m, 1H), 1.44 (d, 3H).benzimidazole-6-carboxylic LC-MS(ES+): 586.0 (M + H). acid 1A-072-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.43 (d, 1H), 8.13(dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]-5- 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 7.40 (dd,1H), 7.29- fluoropyridin-2-yl}-2- 7.20 (m, 2H), 6.38 (dd, 1H), 5.47 (s,2H), 4.69 (m, methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- 2H), 4.55 (d, 1H), 4.06(dd, 2H), 3.80 (m, 2H), 3.55 (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (br s, 2H), 3.43 (d,1H), 3.24 (d, 1H), 1.45 (d, 3H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic LC-MS(ES+):586.1 (M + H). acid 1A-08 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.42 (d, 1H), 8.13 (dd, cyanobenzyl)oxy]-5- 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.77-7.69(m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 2H), fluoropyridin-2-yl}-2- 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (dd,1H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 4.69 (m, methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- 2H), 4.52(d, 1H), 3.99 (t, 2H), 3.80 (m, 2H), 3.56- (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- 3.32 (m,3H), 3.32 (m, 2H), 3.27-3.10 (m, 2H), 1.41 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic(d, 3H). LC-MS(ES+): 559.2 (M + H). acid 1A-09 2-{[4-(6-{[(4-cyano-2- ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.33 (d, 1H), 7.99 (dd, fluorophenyl)(methyl-1H), 7.73-7.49 (m, 5H), 6.86 (d, 1H), 6.70 (d, 1H),d2)]oxy}pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1- 5.30 (d, 1H), 4.81-4.71 (m, 1H), 4.66(m, 1H), 4.50 yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2- (m, 1H), 4.08 (d, 1H), 3.97(d, 1H), 3.11 (d, 1H), 3.00 ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- (d, 1H), 2.83(m, 1H), 2.67 (m, 1H), 2.56 (m, 1H), carboxylic acid 2.36 (m, 2H), 1.86(m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 558.2 (M + H). 1A-10 2-({4-[6-(benzyloxy)pyridin-2-¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.35 (dd, 1H), 8.05yl]piperidin-1-yl}methyl)-1-(2- (dd, 1H), 7.81 (dd, 1H), 7.67 (dd, 1H),7.51-7.42 (m, methoxyethyl)-1H- 2H), 7.42-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.34-7.25 (m,1H), 6.93 (d, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 6.75 (dd, 1H), 5.43 (s,2H), 4.82 (s, 2H), 4.64 (t, acid 2H), 3.91 (brs, 2H), 3.77 (m, 2H), 3.43(t, 2H), 3.15- 3.02 (m, 1H), 2.27 (m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 501.3 (M + H).1A-11 2-[(4-{6-[(4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.41 (d, 1H), 8.11 (dd,cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.76-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.57(dd, 3H), yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2- 6.43 (d, 1H), 6.30 (d, 1H),5.44 (s, 2H), 4.68 (m, 4H), methoxyethyl)-1H- 3.78 (m, 6H), 3.37 (m,4H), 3.31 (s, 3H). LC- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+): 527.2 (M +H). acid 1A-12 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.46 (d,1H), 8.15 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}- 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.70(t, 1H), 7.48 (t, 1H), 7.29-7.19 3,3-dimethylpiperazin-1- (m, 2H), 6.82(d, 1H), 6.69 (d, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.77 yl)methyl]-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-(t, 2H), 4.52 (s, 2H), 3.82 (m, 2H), 3.69 (m, 2H), 3.271H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (m, 2H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 1.40 (s, 6H).LC-MS(ES+): acid 582.3 (M + H). 1A-13 2-{[(3S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.43 (d, 1H), 8.13 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-3- 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.48 (m, 2H),7.26-7.14 (m, 2H), methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- 6.31 (d, 1H), 6.17(d, 1H), 5.45-5.28 (m, 2H), 4.76 (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (m, 2H), 4.68 (m,1H), 4.47-4.31 (m, 2H), 4.12 (m, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 3.82(m, 2H), 3.26 (m, 3H), 2.90 (m, 1H), 2.77 acid (m, 2H), 1.25 (d, 3H).LC-MS(ES+): 568.0 (M + H). 1A-14 2-{[(3R)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.45 (s, 1H), 8.14 (d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-3-1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.55-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.27-7.16 (m,methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- 2H), 6.32 (d, 1H), 6.18 (d, 1H),5.45-5.29 (m, 2H), (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- 4.79-4.64 (m, 3H), 4.50-4.38 (m,2H), 4.14 (d, 1H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.82 (t, 2H), 3.00-2.78(m, 3H), 1.27 (d, 3H). LC- acid MS(ES+): 568.3 (M + H). 1A-152-{[(3R)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.45 (d, 1H), 8.14(dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-3- 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.50 (m, 2H),7.27-7.17 (m, 2H), (hydroxymethyl)piperazin-1- 6.36 (d, 1H), 6.21 (d,1H), 5.43-5.28 (m, 2H), 4.78- yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)- 4.70 (m,2H), 4.68 (m, 1H), 4.60 (s, 2H), 4.25 (m, 1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic1H), 3.98 (dd, 1H), 3.90-3.76 (m, 4H), 3.62-3.45 (m, acid 2H), 3.11 (m,2H). LC-MS(ES+): 584.3 (M + H). 1A-16 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- Column:Waters Atlantis dC18 4.6 × 50 mm, 5 μm; fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-Mobile phase A: 0.05% TFA in water (v/v); Mobileyl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1- phase B: 0.05% TFA in MeCN (v/v);Gradient: 95% methyl-1H-imidazol-5- H₂O/5% MeCN linear to 5% H₂O/95%MeCN in 4.0 yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- min, hold at 5% H₂O/95% MeCNto 5.0 min. Flow: 2 carboxylic acid mL/min. Retention time: 2.05 min.LC-MS(ES+): 580.4 (M + H). 1A-17 2-[(4-{6-[(2,4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD)δ 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.31 (d, difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.09 (dd,1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.67 (t, 1H), 7.58 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-(m, 1H), 7.09 (d, 1H), 7.06-6.89 (m, 3H), 6.73 (d, methyl-1H-imidazol-5-1H), 5.89 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.85 (s, 2H), 4.00 (m,yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- 5H), 3.42 (m, 2H), 3.14-2.99 (m, 1H),2.40-2.17 (m, carboxylic acid 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 573.2 (M + H). 1A-182-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.74 (d, 1H), 7.49 (t,1H), 7.42 (t, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(4- 1H), 7.09 (t, 2H), 6.71(d, 1H), 6.60 (d, 1H), 5.93 (br propyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3- s, 2H), 5.37(s, 2H), 4.08 (br s, 1H), 3.87 (t, 2H), 3.50yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- (s, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H), 2.66 (t, 1H), 2.47(br s, 2H), carboxylic acid 2.05 (s, 1H), 1.73-2.01 (m, 4H), 1.55 (sxt,2H), 0.89 (t, 3H), 0.74 (t, 3H). LC-MS(ES+): 618.6 (M + H). 1A-192-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 12.74 (br s, 1H), 8.27(s, 1H), fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.66 (d, 1H),7.37-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.29 (d, methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- 1H), 6.33(d, 1H), 6.08 (d, 1H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 5.17 (br[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H- s, 1H), 4.77 (br s, 2H), 4.42-4.57 (m, 1H),4.37 (d, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 4.28 (d, 1H), 3.86 (d, 1H),3.76 (d, 1H), 3.66 (d, acid 1H), 3.02 (t, 1H), 2.79-2.93 (m, 1H),2.60-2.77 (m, 3H), 2.21-2.45 (m, 2H), 1.12 (d, 3H). LC-MS(ES+): 580.1(M + H). 1A-20 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃CN) δ 8.39 (s,1H), 8.24 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.08-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.83(d, 1H), 7.80-7.63 (m, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(4- 2H), 7.55 (d,2H), 6.92 (d, 1H), 6.75 (d, 1H), 5.78 (s, methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-2H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.72-4.49 (m, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H),yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- 3.72 (m, 2H), 3.29 (m, 2H), 3.03 (m, 1H),2.21-2.11 carboxylic acid (m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 581.3 (M + H). 1A-212-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.33 (s, 1H), 8.02 (d,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.68 (d, 2H), 7.58 (dd,2H), 6.94 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)- (d, 1H), 6.78 (d, 1H), 5.54(s, 2H), 4.80-4.72 (m, 2H), tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl]-1H- 4.67 (d,1H), 4.43 (dd, 1H), 4.22 (q, 1H), 3.89 (dt, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic3H), 3.75 (q, 1H), 3.37 (d, 2H), 3.04 (t, 1H), 2.18 (d, acid 5H), 1.93(dd, 2H), 1.67 (dd, 1H). LC-MS(ES+): 570.6 (M + H). 1A-22 rac2-{[(3S,4S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.46 (d, 1H),8.15 (dd, 2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}- 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.67 (dd,1H), 7.52 (t, 1H), 7.30- 3-fluoropiperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1- 7.19 (m, 2H),6.96 (d, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- 4.76 (t,2H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 3.83 (t, 2H), 3.59 (m, 1H),benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.31-3.20 (m, 1H), 3.04 (m, 1H), 2.92-2.73(m, 2H), acid 2.32-1.89 (m, 3H). LC-MS(ES+): 571.1 (M + H). 1A-23rac-2-{[(3S,4S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.37 (d, 1H),8.07 (dd, 2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}- 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.68 (dd,1H), 7.54 (t, 1H), 7.32- 3-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl] methyl}- 7.21 (m, 2H),6.98 (d, 1H), 6.78 (d, 1H), 5.51-5.37 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (m, 2H),4.79 (s, 2H), 4.67 (t, 2H), 4.38 (m, 1H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic3.86-3.73 (m, 4H), 3.16 (m, 1H), 2.95 (s, 1H), 2.37- acid 2.16 (m, 2H).LC-MS(ES+): 569.3 (M + H). 1A-24 rac-2-{[(3R,4S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.35 (dd, 1H), 8.02 2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-(dd, 1H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.71 (dd, 1H), 7.48 (t, 1H),3-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl] methyl}- 7.29-7.21 (m, 2H), 6.99 (dd, 1H), 6.81(dd, 1H), 5.46- 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H- 5.36 (m, 2H), 5.24 (d, 1H), 4.90(m, 1H), 4.69 (m, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 2H), 4.26 (m, 1H), 3.99(dd, 1H), 3.94-3.81 (m, 3H), acid 3.78 (m, 2H), 3.63 (m, 1H), 3.30 (s,3H), 2.56-2.40 (m, 2H). LC-MS(ES+): 569.1 (M + H). 1A-25rac-2-{[(3R,4R)-4-{6-[(4-chloro- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.32 (d, 1H),8.00 (dd, 2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}- 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.70 (dd,1H), 7.46 (m, 1H), 7.26 3-methylpiperidin-1-yl]methyl}- (m, 2H), 6.94(d, 1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 4.82 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (s,2H), 4.64 (m, 2H), 4.03 (m, 1H), 3.88 (m, 1H),benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.75 (m, 2H), 3.67 (m, 1H), 3.54 (m, 1H),3.27 (m, acid 4H), 2.58 (m, 1H), 2.34 (m, 2H), 0.84 (d, 3H). LC-MS(ES+): 567.1 (M + H). 1A-26 rac-2-{[(3S,4R)-4-{6-[(4-chloro- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (s, 1H), 8.06 (dd,2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}- 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.68 (t, 1H), 7.53(t, 1H), 7.34-7.26 3-methylpiperidin-1-yl]methyl}- (m, 2H), 6.92 (d,1H), 6.77 (d, 1H), 5.47 (q, 2H), 4.85 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (s, 2H),4.65 (t, 2H), 3.93 (d, 1H), 3.84 (d, 1H), 3.79benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (t, 2H), 3.47 (m, 1H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 3.10 (t,1H), 2.66 acid (dt, 1H), 2.54 (br. m., 1H), 2.32 (dq, 1H), 2.07 (dd,1H), 0.77 (d, 3H), LC-MS(ES+): 567.1 (M + H). 1A-272-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 7.57 (t, 1H), 7.48 (t,1H), 7.19 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (ddd, 2H), 6.82 (d, 1H), 6.63 (d,1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), [(1R,2R)-2- 5.19 (q, 1H), 4.43 (q, 1H), 4.20 (d, 1H),3.87 (d, 1H), methoxycyclopentyl]-1H- 3.23 (s, 3H), 2.92 (d, 1H),2.74-2.64 (m, 1H), 2.55- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 2.46 (m, 1H),2.41-2.27 (m, 4H), 2.14-1.77 (m, 8H). acid LC-MS(ES+): 593.5 (M + H).1A-28 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.32 (s, 1H),8.01 (d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.65 (t, 1H),7.51 (t, 1H), 7.26-7.19 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(cis- (m, 2H), 6.93(d, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.80 3-methoxycyclobutyl)methyl]-(s, 2H), 4.45 (d, 2H), 3.92 (s, 2H), 3.79-3.72 (m, 1H),1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.43-3.36 (m, 2H), 3.21 (s, 3H), 3.08-3.02(m, 1H), acid 2.46-2.17 (m, 7H), 1.75-1.70 (m, 2H). LC-MS(ES+): 593.6(M + H). 1A-29 rac-2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36(s, 1H), 8.01 (d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.65(t, 1H), 7.51 (t, 1H), 7.23 (t, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 2H), 6.92(d, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.78 {[(1S,2S)-2- (dd, 2H), 4.55(dd, 1H), 4.38 (dd, 1H), 3.96-3.81 (m, methoxycyclopentyl]methyl}- 2H),3.45-3.32 (m, 2H), 3.22 (s, 3H), 3.10-2.99 (m,1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 2.53-2.42 (m, 1H), 2.35-2.08 (m, 5H),2.02-1.54 acid (m, 6H). LC-MS(ES+): 607.7 (M + H). 1A-302-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.34 (s, 1H), 8.02 (d,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.66 (t, 1H), 7.51 (t,1H), 7.31-7.17 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, 1H), 6.73(d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), {[(1R,2R)-2- 4.51-4.20 (m, 2H), 3.91 (d, 2H),3.43-3.35 (m, 2H), (methoxymethyl)cyclopropyl] 3.21 (s, 3H), 3.04 (m,1H), 2.39-2.15 (m, 4H), 1.30 methyl}-1H-benzimidazole-6- (d, 5H), 0.90(t, 1H), 0.79 (dt, 1H), 0.64 (dd, 1H). LC- carboxylic acid MS(ES+):593.5 (M + H).

Example 2A-012-((4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid hydrochloride Step 1

A yellow mixture of Intermediate 3 (92.3 g, 119 mmol, 4 eq TFA salt),Intermediate 33 (25.9 g, 120 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (98.5 g, 713 mmol) in MeCN(300 mL) was stirred at 50° C. for 16 h. The yellow mixture was pouredinto water (300 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×500 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (500 mL), dried over MgSO₄,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product waspurified by flash chromatography (MeOH/DCM 0-5% gradient) to afford5-chloro-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine(59.0 g, 99%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.92 (d, 1H),7.49 (m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 7.21 (d, 1H), 7.10-7.13 (m, 1H), 7.09 (d,1H), 6.72 (d, 1H), 6.60 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s,2H), 2.97 (d, 2H), 2.51-2.73 (m, 1H), 2.29 (m, 2H), 1.73-1.97 (m, 4H).

Step 2

A yellow solution of5-chloro-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine(59.0 g, 118 mmol), DPPP (6.80 g, 16.5 mmol), Pd(OAc)₂ (3.65 g, 16.3mmol) and Et₃N (125 g, 1240 mmol) in MeOH (800 mL) and DMF (100 mL) wasstirred at 80° C. under 50 psi CO for 16 h. The resulting orangesolution was concentrated under reduced pressure to a brown oil, whichwas diluted with EtOAc (300 mL) and washed with water (200 mL). Theorganic layer was washed with brine (2×200 mL), dried over MgSO₄,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product wascombined with product from a similar 11 g scale reaction and purified byflash chromatography (50-100% EtOAc/PE gradient) to afford methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylate(62.6 g, 85%) as a pale yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.13 (d,1H), 8.07 (d, 1H), 7.49 (t, 1H), 7.43 (t, 1H), 7.12 (t, 1H), 7.08-7.11(m, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 6.60 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.09 (s, 3H), 4.03(s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 2.93-3.05 (m, 2H), 2.55-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.31 (dt,2H), 1.79-1.97 (m, 4H).

Step 3

Methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylate(57.0 g, 109 mmol) was suspended in MeOH (1 L) and treated with 2 M NaOH(218 mL). The slurry was stirred 5 min at RT and then heated at 85° C.for 3 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite® and the clear filtratereheated to 70° C. The reaction was acidified with 2 M HCl (272 mL) andthen allowed to cool to RT. Solid formed and the slurry was allowed tostir for 18 h at RT. The solids were collected by filtration to deliverExample 2A-01 (57.1 g, 96%) as an ivory white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz,DMSO-d6) δ 13.20 (br s, 1H), 11.07 (br s, 1H), 8.27 (d, 1H), 8.07 (d,1H), 7.57-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.47 (m, 1H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 6.92 (d, 1H), 6.74(d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.84 (br s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.86 (br s, 2H),3.37 (br s, 2H), 2.93 (br s, 1H), 1.85-2.36 (m, 4H); LC-MS(ES+): 510.2(M+H).

2-((4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-6-carboxylicacid hydrochloride Example 2A-02 Step 1

To a flask containing solution of methoxy acetic acid (1.00 g, 11.1mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was added HATU (6.33 g, 16.7 mmol) and Et₃N (3.37g, 33.3 mmol). After stirring for 20 min, 2,3-diamino-5-bromopyridine(2.3 g, 12 mmol) was added portion-wise, and the resulting reactionmixture stirred overnight. After 15 h, water was added, and the solutionwas extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were dried, andthe solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified by flash chromatography (0 to 80% EtOAc/heptane gradient) toyield N-(2-amino-5-bromopyridin-3-yl)-2-methoxyacetamide (2.3 g, 80%).¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.09 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.83(d, 1H), 4.08 (s, 2H), 3.53 (s, 3H); LC-MS(ES+): 260.2 (M+H).

Step 2

To a solution of N-(2-amino-5-bromopyridin-3-yl)-2-methoxyacetamide (3.3g, 13 mmol) in THF was added 1 M solution of BH₃ in THF (14 mL) over theperiod of 10 min, and stirred at RT overnight, Water was added to thereaction slowly to quench the excess borane, and the mixture thenextracted with EtOAc. The EtOAc layer was dried and concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude product was dissolved in MeOH and HCl indioxane (1.0 equiv) was added and stirred for 2 h. Excess methanol wasremoved under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product. The compoundwas purified by flash chromatography with a gradient ranging from 0 to70% EtOAc in heptanes to obtain5-bromo-N-(2-methoxyethyl)pyridine-2,3-diamine as a brown oil (1.1 g,35%). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.83 (d, 1H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 5.56 (s,2H), 3.77 (t, 1H), 3.66 (t, 2H), 3.42 (s, 3H), 3.22 (q, 2H); LC-MS(ES+):246.1.

Step 3

5-Bromo-N³-(2-methoxyethyl)pyridine-2,3-diamine (400 mg, 1.63 mmol) wastaken up in 8 mL dioxane (8 mL) and treated with chloroacetyl chloride(0.284 mL, 3.58 mmol) The mixture was stirred at RT. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was taken up inTFA (8 mL) and stirred at 80° C. for 18 h. The reaction was cooled to RTand concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant brown oil wastaken up in EtOAc (50 mL) and neutralized with sat. aq. NaHCO₃. Afterthe CO₂ evolution had subsided, the layers were separated and the aq.layer extracted with additional EtOAc (20 mL). The organic extracts werecombined, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The resultant crude product was purified by flashchromatography (0-80% EtOAc/heptane gradient) to yield6-bromo-2-(chloromethyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine(176 mg, 36%) as a tan solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.59 (s, 1H),7.90 (s, 1H), 4.93 (s, 2H), 4.45 (m, 2H), 3.72 (m, 2H), 3.29 (s, 3H);LC-MS(ES+): 306.1 (M+H).

Step 4

A mixture of Intermediate 3 (294 mg, 0.97 mmol, free base),6-bromo-2-(chloromethyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine(341 mg, 1.06 mmol), KI (48 mg, 0.29 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.51 mL, 0.97 mmol) in MeCN (8 mL) was stirred at 60° C. for 16h. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. Theorganic layer was dried, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (0-100%EtOAc/heptane gradient) to afford to afford6-bromo-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine(406 mg, 71%) as a tan oil. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 7.91(s, 1H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 7.11 (m, 2H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 6.60(d, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 4.54 (m, 2H), 3.92 (s, 2H), 3.76 (m, 2H), 3.30(s, 3H), 2.97 (d, 2H), 2.58-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.31 (m, 2H), 1.76-1.93 (m,4H).

Step 5

To a mixture of6-bromo-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine(610 mg, 1.04 mmol), palladium(II) acetate (47 mg, 0.21 mmol), and dppp(128 mg, 0.31 mmol) was added DMF (4 mL), MeOH (16 mL) andtrimethylamine (1.44 mL, 10.4 mmol). The reaction was heated at 80° C.with stirring under a 50 psi CO atmosphere for 20 h. The reactionmixture was cooled to RT and partitioned between water and EtOAc. Theorganic layer was separated and dried over MgSO₄, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude material was purified byflash chromatography (0 to 5% MeOH in DCM gradient) to yield methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-6-carboxylate(540 mg, 92%) as a tan gum. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.18 (s, 1H), 8.39(s, 1H), 7.49 (t, 1H), 7.43 (t, 1H), 7.10 (t, 2H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 6.60(d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.64 (t, 2H), 4.00-3.90 (m, 5H), 3.78 (t, 2H),3.29 (s, 3H), 2.99 (d, 2H), 2.62 (m, 1H), 2.27-2.40 (m, 2H), 1.79-1.91(m, 4H).

Step 6

To a solution of methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-6-carboxylate(2.0 g, 3.5 mmol) in MeOH (60 mL) was added 2 M NaOH (8.9 mL) and themixture was heated at 60° C. for 1 h. The reaction was cooled to RT andacidified with 1 M HCl until pH ˜4. The mixture was concentrated underreduced pressure to remove MeOH and the solid was collected byfiltration and dried under vacuum to yield Example 2A-02 (1.7 g 82%) asa solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 13.35 (br s, 1H), 10.90 (br s, 1H),9.01 (d, 1H), 8.70 (d, 1H), 7.69 (t, 1H), 7.63 (t, 1H), 7.47 (dd, 1H),7.32 (dd, 1H), 6.93 (d, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.86 (br s,2H), 4.70 (br s, 2H), 3.81 (br s, 2H), 3.65 (m, 2H), 3.20 (s, 3H), 2.94(br s, 1H), 2.08-2.25 (m, 4H); LC-MS(ES+): 554.2 (M+H).

Example 2A-032-((4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-6-carboxylicacid Step 1

To a stirred solution of 2,4-dibromo-5-nitropyridine (0.21 g, 0.72 mmol)in THF (4.1 mL) was added methyl amine in THF (2 M, 1.2 mL, 2.5 mmol).After 0.5 h, the solution was diluted with water (5 mL). The aq. phasewas extracted with EtOAc (3×15 mL), the combined organic layers werewashed with brine (20 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered, andthe solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude material waspurified using column chromatography (50% EtOAc/heptane) to obtain2-bromo-N-methyl-5-nitropyridin-4-amine as a yellow solid (0.15 g, 90%).¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.99 (s, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 3.08 (d, 3H).

Step 2

To a stirred solution of 2-bromo-N-methyl-5-nitropyridin-4-amine (0.22g, 0.96 mmol) in AcOH (4.8 mL) was added Fe (0.053 g, 0.96 mmol). Thesolution was heated to 75° C. After 5 h, the solution was filteredthrough a Celite® plug, washed with EtOAc (10 mL) and then quenched withsatd. Na₂CO₃. The aq. phase was extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL), thecombined organic layers were dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered,treated with HCl in dioxane (4 M, 2.4 mL, 9.6 mmol) and the solventremoved under reduced pressure. The crude material was stirred inEt₂O/PE for 30 min, and the resultant solid was then collected byfiltration, washed with PE and dried under reduced pressure to provideof 6-bromo-N⁴-methylpyridine-3,4-diamine hydrochloride (0.20 g, 88%). ¹HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.48 (s, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 3.04 (s, 3H).

Step 3

To a stirred solution of 6-bromo-N⁴-methylpyridine-3,4-diaminehydrochloride (0.15 g, 0.52 mmol) in DMF (2.4 mL) was added Intermediate5 (0.18 g, 0.48 mmol) followed by DIPEA (0.25 mL, 1.4 mmol) and HBTU(0.18 g, 0.57 mmol). After 2 h, the solution was concentrated underreduced pressure, diluted with EtOAc (20 mL) and washed with satd.Na₂CO₃. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered andthe solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude amideN-(6-bromo-4-(methylamino)pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetamidewas dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (5 mL), treated with NaOH (2 M, 2.4 mL, 4.8mmol) and heated to 100° C. After 0.5 h, the solution was diluted withwater (10 mL). The aq. phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×10 mL), thecombined organic layers were dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered, andthe solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude material waspurified using column chromatography eluting with EtOAc to obtain6-bromo-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridineas a brown oil (0.19 g, 72%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.74 (s, 1H), 7.44-7.51(m, 2H), 7.41 (t, 1H), 7.08 (t, 2H), 6.71 (d, 1H), 6.59 (d, 1H), 5.39(s, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 2H), 2.94 (d, 2H), 2.60 (ddd, 1H), 2.28(t, 2H), 1.85-1.90 (m, 2H), 1.75-1.84 (m, 2H).

Step 4

To a vial containing6-bromo-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine(0.060 g, 0.11 mmol), DPPP (0.011 g, 0.028 mmol) and Pd(OAc)₂ (0.035 g,0.015 mmol) was added DMF (0.4 mL) followed by MeOH (2.6 mL) and Et₃N(0.13 mL, 1.1 mmol). The solution was heated to 80° C. under CO (50 psi)atmosphere. After 16 h, the solution was diluted with brine (5 mL). Theaq. phase was extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL), the combined organiclayers were dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, filtered, and the solventremoved under reduced pressure. The crude material was purified usingcolumn chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ to obtain methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-6-carboxylateas a yellow oil (0.060 g, quant.). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.11 (s,1H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.10 (t, 2H),6.73 (d, 1H), 6.61 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.05 (s, 3H), 4.02 (s, 3H),3.91 (s, 2H), 2.98 (d, 2H), 2.58-2.68 (m, 1H), 2.32 (t, 2H), 1.74-1.95(m, 4H).

Step 5

To a stirred solution of methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-6-carboxylate(0.041 g, 0.078 mmol) in MeOH (0.78 mL) was added a solution of NaOH inwater (2 M, 0.14 mL) under stirring at 35° C. After 2 h, the solutionwas acidified to pH ˜4 with HCl in water (1 M), cooled to 0° C., dilutedwith water (0.5 mL), and allowed to stand for 2 h. The resultant solidprecipitate was slurried for 1 h, collected by filtration, washed withwater (2×1 mL), and then dried under reduced pressure to provide Example2A-03 as a solid (21 mg, 48%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 9.10 (br s,1H), 8.57 (br s, 1H), 7.67 (br. t, 1H), 7.52 (br. t, 1H), 7.13-7.33 (m,2H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 6.75 (d, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.92 (s, 2H), 3.92-4.18(m, 5H), 3.45 (br s, 2H), 3.08 (br s, 1H), 2.11-2.46 (m, 4H).LC-MS(ES+): 510.3 (M+H).

The compounds listed in Table 2 below were prepared using proceduresanalogous to those described above for the synthesis of Examples 2A-01,2A-02, and 2A-03 using the appropriate starting materials which areavailable commercially, prepared using preparations well-known to thoseskilled in the art, or prepared in a manner analogous to routesdescribed above for other intermediates. The compounds were purifiedusing methods well known to those skilled in the art and may includesilica gel chromatography, HPLC, or crystallization from the reactionmixture. The final compounds may have been isolated as neutrals or acidor base salts.

TABLE 2 Ex. # Name NMR data/LC-MS data 2A-04 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹HNMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.04 (s, 1H), 8.52 (s,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.70 (t, 1H), 7.46 (t, 1H), 7.27-7.04(m, 2H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 6.82 (d, 1H), 6.62 (d, 1H), 5.38(s, 2H), 4.11 (s, methyl-1H-imidazo[4,5- 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.21 (d,2H), 2.77-2.45 (m, 3H), b]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid 2.07-1.78 (m, 4H).LC-MS(ES+): 510.3 (M + H). 2A-05 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.92 (s, 1H), 8.50 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.60(dd, 1H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 7.18 (m, 2H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-6.86 (d, 1H), 6.66 (d, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.27 (d,oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H- 1H), 4.81 (m, 1H), 4.65 (m, 1H), 4.50 (m, 1H),4.24 imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-6- (d, 1H), 4.12 (d, 1H), 3.20 (m, 1H),2.97-2.69 (m, carboxylic acid 2H), 2.55 (m, 3H), 2.00 (m, 5H).LC-MS(ES+): 566.1 (M + H). 2A-06 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 9.14 (s, 1H), 8.63 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.00(s, 1H), 7.68 (m, 1H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.24yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3- (m, 3H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H),5.96 (s, 2H), oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H- 5.47 (s, 2H), 4.98 (s, 2H), 3.97(brs, 2H), 3.43 (m, imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-6- 2H), 3.08 (m, 1H), 2.28(m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): carboxylic acid 577.0 (M + H). 2A-072-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.12 (d, 1H), 8.55fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (d, 1H), 7.71 (t, 1H), 7.61 (t, 1H), 7.49(dd, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2- 7.33 (dd, 1H), 6.95 (d, 1H),6.76 (d, 1H), 5.41 (s, methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5- 2H), 4.88 (s, 2H),4.68 (d, 2H), 3.84 (s, 1H), 3.66 (t, c]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid 2H),3.33 (s, 2H), 3.21 (s, 3H), 2.96 (s, 1H), 2.11 (s, 5H). LC-MS(ES+):553.9 (M + H). 2A-08 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ7.86 (dd, 1H), 7.66 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (dd, 1H), 7.58 (d, 1H),7.51 (t, 1H), 7.19-7.28 (m, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-7- 2H), 6.94 (d,1H), 6.74 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.80 fluoro-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (s,2H), 4.67 (t, 2H), 3.91 (d, 2H), 3.80 (t, 3H),benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.34-3.47 (m, 2H), 3.32 (s, 3H), 3.06 (m,1H), 2.16- acid 2.35 (m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 571.2 (M + H). 2A-092-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.59-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 7.50 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.04(m, 2H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-5- 6.77 (d, 1H), 6.67 (d, 1H), 5.36(s, 2H), 4.76 (s, fluoro-1-methyl-1H- 2H), 4.04 (m, 5H), 3.37 (m, 2H),2.98 (m, 1H), 2.31 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 527.1(M + H). acid 2A-10 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ9.28 (s, 1H), 7.61- fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 7.71 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.57(m, 1H), 7.23 (m, 2H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2- 6.85-7.03 (m,1H), 6.61-6.81 (m, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), methoxyethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5- 5.00(s, 2H), 4.65-4.74 (m, 2H), 3.91-4.10 (m, 2H), b]pyrazine-6-carboxylicacid 3.70-3.86 (m, 2H), 3.42-3.59 (m, 2H), 3.33 (s, 3H), 3.03-3.18 (m,1H), 2.31 (d, 2H), 2.18-2.26 (m, 2H). LC-MS(ES+): 554.0 (M + H). 2A-112-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ: 8.79 (s, 1H), 7.70fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (br s, 1H), 7.61 (t, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.32(d, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2- 6.95 (br s, 1H), 6.74 (d, 1H),5.41 (s, 2H), 4.73 (br methoxyethyl)-7-methyl-1H- s, 3H), 3.73 (br s,4H), 3.22 (b s, 5H), 2.91 (b s, imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-6- 4H), 2.09 (brs, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 568.3 (M + H). carboxylic acid 2A-122-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 13.15 (s, 1H),fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 10.79 (s, 1H), 8.57 (s, 1H), 7.70 (t, 1H),7.63 (t, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1,5- 1H), 7.48 (dd, 1H), 7.33 (dd,1H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 6.74 dimethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5- (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H),4.82 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), b]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid 3.82 (m, 2H),3.01-2.86 (m, 1H), 2.81 (s, 3H), 2.53- 2.48 (m, 3H), 2.28-1.95 (m, 3H).LC-MS(ES+): 524.2 (M + H). 2A-13 5-chloro-2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR(600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 8.07 (br s, 1H), fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 7.77(br s, 1H), 7.63 (br s, 1H), 7.50 (br s, 1H),yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.14-7.31 (m, 2H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 6.71 (d,1H), 5.43 methyl-1H-benzimidazole-6- (br s, 2H), 4.57 (br s, 2H), 3.94(br s, 3H), 3.70 (d, carboxylic acid 2H), 3.14 (br s, 2H), 2.95 (br s,1H), 1.99-2.31 (m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 546.2 (M + H). 2A-14 2-[(4-{6-[(4-¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25 (d, 1H), 7.79- cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-7.59 (m, 5H), 7.54 (d, 1H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 6.80 (d,yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-5- 1H), 5.53 (s, 2H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 4.60 (m,2H), 3.93 fluoro-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (m, 1H), 3.78-3.70 (m, 2H), 3.41(m, 3H), 3.06 (sm benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 2.21 (m, 4H).LC-MS(ES+): 544.3 (M + H). acid 2A-15 2-[(4-{6-[(4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 7.89 (dd, 1H), 7.80- cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 7.56 (m, 6H),6.95 (d, 1H), 6.80 (d, 1H), 5.53 (s, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-7- 2H),4.81 (s, 2H), 4.67 (m, 2H), 3.92 (s, 2H), 3.81fluoro-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (m, 2H), 3.41 (s, 2H), 3.07 (s, 1H), 2.21(s, 4H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic LC-MS(ES+): 544.3 (M + H). acid2A-16 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.18 (s, 1H),8.80 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.67 (t, 1H), 7.51 (t, 1H),7.23 (t, 2H), 6.94 (d, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 1H), 6.74 (d, 1H),5.47 (s, 2H), 5.45-5.39 (m, 2H), (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H- 4.94 (s,2H), 4.03 (s, 2H), 3.44 (s, 2H), 3.09 (s, imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-6- 1H),2.44-2.12 (m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 578.4 (M + H). carboxylic acid 2A-172-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25-8.00 (m, 2H),fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 7.59 (t, 1H), 7.49 (t, 1H), 7.35-7.09 (m,2H), 6.84 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(2- (d, 1H), 6.65 (d, 1H), 5.41(s, 2H), 4.81 (t, 2H), methoxyethyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5- 4.21 (s, 2H), 3.84(t, 2H), 3.32 (s, 3H), 3.25 (d, 2H), b]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid2.84-2.70 (m, 1H), 2.61 (t, 2H), 2.09-1.85 (m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 554.2(M + H). 2A-18 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.31 (d,1H), 8.24 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (d, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.72-7.63(m, 1H), 7.53 (m, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(1,3- 1H), 7.31-7.19 (m,2H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 6.95 (d, 1H), oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-3H- 6.75 (d, 1H),5.99 (s, 2H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 3.96 (m, imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- 2H),3.52-3.34 (m, 2H), 3.08 (m, 1H), 2.25 (m, 5H). carboxylic acidLC-MS(ES+): 577.0 (M + H). 2A-19 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.31 (d, 1H), 8.24 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (d, 1H), 7.99(s, 1H), 7.71 (m, 2H), 7.64-7.56 (m, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(1,3-2H), 7.17 (s, 1H), 6.97 (d, 1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), 5.98oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-3H- (s, 2H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 3.99 (d, 2H), 3.45 (m,2H), imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- 3.08 (m, 1H), 2.34-2.17 (m, 4H).LC-MS(ES+): carboxylic acid 568.1 (M + H). 2A-20 2-[(4-{6-[(2,4- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.09 (q, 2H), 7.67- difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.04-6.89 (m, 2H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 6.64yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-[(2S)- (d, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.32 (m, 1H),5.06 (dd, 1H), oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H- 4.64 (m, 1H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 4.23(d, 1H), 4.12 (d, imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- 1H), 3.28-3.09 (m, 2H),2.87-2.66 (m, 2H), 2.62- carboxylic acid 2.42 (m, 3H), 2.06-1.85 (m,4H). LC-MS(ES+): 550.1 (M + H). 2A-21 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.33-8.19 (m, 2H), fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-7.98 (d, 1H), 7.77-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.17 (d, 1H), 6.45methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-3- (d, 1H), 6.30 (d, 1H), 5.98 (d, 2H),5.48 (s, 2H), (1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-3H- 5.09 (d, 1H), 4.73 (d, 1H),4.06 (m, 2H), 3.74 (m, imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- 2H), 3.61-3.46 (m, 2H),3.38 (m, 1H), 1.50 (d, 3H). carboxylic acid LC-MS(ES+): 583.1 (M + H)2A-22 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.14 (m, 2H),7.66- fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 7.57 (m, 1H), 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.22 (m,2H), 6.87 (d, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3- 1H), 6.68 (d, 1H), 5.44 (s,2H), 5.32 (m, 1H), 5.02 [(2R)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H- (m, 1H), 4.71-4.59(m, 1H), 4.52-4.42 (m, 1H), imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- 4.38-4.21 (m, 2H),3.28 (m, 1H), 2.87-2.74 (m, 2H), carboxylic acid 2.66 (m, 1H), 2.62-2.50(m, 1H), 2.00 (m, 4H). LC- MS(ES+): 566.1 (M + H) 2A-232-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.14 (d, 2H), 7.61 (t,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.51 (t, 1H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 6.87 (d,1H), 6.68 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-[(2S)- (d, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.31(m, 1H), 5.01 (m, 1H), oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H- 4.87 (d, 1H), 4.71-4.60(m, 1H), 4.46 (m, 1H), 4.34 imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- (m, 2H), 3.39 (m,1H), 3.30 (m, 1H), 2.91-2.65 (m, carboxylic acid 4H), 2.55 (m, 1H), 2.01(m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 566.1 (M + H)

Example 3A-012-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid Step 1

To a stirred solution of Intermediate 22 (49.8 g, 211 mmol) in MeCN (300mL) was added 2-chloro-1,1,1-trimethoxyethane (30.0 mL, 223 mmol)followed by pTSA.H₂O (2.0 g, 10 mmol). After 1 h at 60° C., MeCN (400mL), K₂CO₃ (116 g, 841 mmol) and Intermediate 3 (52.4 g, 90.2 mmol) wereadded. After 2 h, the solution was treated with water (1.6 L), allowedto cool to RT and stirred for 2 h. The resulting solid precipitate wascollected by filtration, washed with water (2×300 mL) and dried underreduced pressure to provide methyl(S)-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateas a solid (102 g, 84%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H),7.67 (d, 1H), 7.62 (t, 1H), 7.55 (t, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.29 (d, 1H),6.87 (d, 1H), 6.67 (d, 1H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 5.04-5.16 (m, 1H), 4.82 (dd,1H), 4.62-4.73 (m, 1H), 4.44-4.52 (m, 1H), 4.37 (dt, 1H), 3.96 (d, 1H),3.87 (s, 3H), 3.78 (d, 1H), 3.00 (d, 1H), 2.85 (d, 1H), 2.66-2.76 (m,1H), 2.54-2.64 (m, 1H), 2.38-2.49 (m, 1H), 2.24 (t, 2.11-2.21 (m, 1H),1.60-1.88 (m, 4H).

Step 2

To a stirred solution of methyl(S)-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(7.2 g, 12 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) and THF (50 mL) was added 2 M NaOH (25mL, 50 mmol). After 2 h at 45° C., the solution was allowed to cool toRT, diluted with water (100 mL) and acidified to pH ˜6 with citric acidin water (1 M, 20 mL). The resultant solid precipitate was slurried for1 h, collected by filtration, washed with water (100 mL) and then driedunder reduced pressure to obtain Example 3A-01 as a solid (6.4 g, 91%).¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 12.84 (br s, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H),7.59-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.55 (t, 1H), 7.45 (dd, 1H), 7.29 (dd, 1H), 6.86 (d,1H), 6.67 (d, 1H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 5.06-5.17 (m, 1H), 4.80 (dd, 1H), 4.66(dd, 1H), 4.44-4.53 (m, 1H), 4.38 (dt, 1H), 3.95 (d, 1H), 3.78 (d, 1H),3.00 (d, 1H), 2.85 (d, 1H), 2.64-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.54-2.64 (m, 1H),2.40-2.48 (m, 1H), 2.20-2.29 (m, 1H), 2.17 (t, 1H), 1.61-1.85 (m, 4H).LC-MS(ES+): 565.4 (M+H).

Example 4A-012-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid Step 1

To a stirred solution of Intermediate 22 (33.6 g, 142 mmol) in MeCN (285mL) was added 2-chloro-1,1,1-trimethoxyethane (20.1 mL, 149 mmol)followed by pTSA.H₂O (1.35 g, 7.1 mmol). After 2 h at 50° C., MeCN (280mL), K₂CO₃ (79 g, 570 mmol) and Intermediate 4 (93.2 g, 142 mmol) wereadded. After 2 h, the solution was treated with water (800 mL), allowedto cool to RT and stirred for 2 h. The resulting precipitate wascollected by filtration, washed with 10% MeCN in water (150 mL), water(2×200 mL) and then dried under reduced pressure to provide methyl(S)-2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateas a colorless solid (77 g, 95%). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.28 (s,1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.55-7.73 (m, 4H), 6.87 (d, 1H), 6.70(d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 5.04-5.19 (m, 1H), 4.81 (dd, 1H), 4.66 (dd, 1H),4.41-4.54 (m, 1H), 4.36 (dt, 1H), 3.94 (d, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.76 (d,1H), 2.97 (d, 1H), 2.82 (d, 1H), 2.63-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.49-2.63 (m, 1H),2.37-2.46 (m, 1H), 2.18-2.29 (m, 1H), 2.05-2.18 (m, 1H), 1.47-1.82 (m,4H).

Step 2

To a stirred solution of methyl(S)-2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(4 g, 7 mmol) in MeCN (70 mL) was added a solution of1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene in water (0.97 M, 14.7 mL). After 20h, the solution was acidified to pH ˜6 with citric acid in water (2 M, 7mL) and diluted with water (50 mL). The aq. phase was extracted withEtOAc (2×75 mL), the combined organic layers were dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to givean off-white solid. The crude material was purified using columnchromatography eluting with MeOH/DCM (0:100 to 8:92) to obtain Example4A-01 as a solid (3.65 g, 90%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.75 (br s,1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.68-7.72 (m, 2H),7.60-7.67 (m, 2H), 6.89 (d, 1H), 6.72 (d, 1H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 5.11 (d,1H), 4.74-4.86 (m, 1H), 4.62-4.72 (m, 1H), 4.43-4.53 (m, 1H), 4.35-4.42(m, 1H), 3.95 (d, 1H), 3.77 (d, 1H), 2.98 (d, 1H), 2.84 (d, 1H),2.65-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.53-2.64 (m, 1H), 2.37-2.45 (m, 1H), 2.10-2.28 (m,2H), 1.57-1.84 (m, 4H). LC-MS(ES+): 556.6 (M+H).

Tris Salt of Example 4A-012-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid tris salt

To a stirred solution of Example 4A-01 (6.5 g, 11.7 mmol) in 1-propanol(275 mL) at 70° C. was added an aq. solution of tris (2.0 M, 6.1 mL,12.2 mmol), dropwise, during which the solution remained homogeneous.After stirring for 5 min, seed crystals were added and the mixture wasallowed to cool to RT over 2 h. After stirring overnight at RT, a solidhad formed. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with1-propanol (2×30 mL) and dried, first under a nitrogen stream and thenin a vacuum oven at 45° C. for 15 h, to give the tris salt of Example4A-01 (6.95 g, 88%) as a crystalline solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ:8.20 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.70 (br s, 2H), 7.64 (t, 1H),7.56 (d, 1H), 6.89 (d, 1H), 6.72 (d, 1H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 5.11 (qd, 1H),4.77 (dd, 1H), 4.64 (dd, 1H), 4.44-4.53 (m, 1H), 4.38 (dt, 1H), 3.93 (d,1H), 3.76 (d, 1H), 3.35 (br s, 9H), 2.98 (d, 1H), 2.85 (d, 1H),2.64-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.54-2.64 (m, 1H), 2.40-2.49 (m, 1H), 2.08-2.26 (m,2H), 1.56-1.83 (m, 4H). mp=194° C.

Example 5A-012-[(4-{6-[(4-Cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid Step 1

A solution of Intermediate 13 (5 g, 14.4 mmol) in 5% MeOH:CH₂Cl₂ (60 mL)was treated with sat. aq. Na₂CO₃ (60 mL). The biphasic solution wasstirred vigorously for 30 min and the organic layer was separated. Theorganic layer was dried, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure to deliver4-(((6-(4-piperazin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)methyl)-3-fluorobenzonitrile(4.4 g, quant.) as a semisolid.

Step 2

To a flask containing solution of4-(((6-(4-piperazin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)methyl)-3-fluorobenzonitrile(1.58 grams, 5.06 mmol) in MeCN (15 mL) was added Intermediate 23 (1.40g, 5.06 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (3.50 g, 25.3 mmol). The resulting suspensionwas stirred for 2 h at 50° C. After 2 h, the mixture was treated withwater (30 mL), allowed to cool to RT and stirred for 2 h. The solid wascollected by filtration, washed with water: MeCN (2:1) (2×30 mL) anddried under reduced pressure to provide methyl(S)-2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(2.47 g, 86%) as a solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.16 (s, 1H), 7.98(d, 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.59 (t, 1H), 7.42 (dt, 2H), 7.34 (d, 1H), 6.17(dd, 2H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.23 (dd, 1H), 4.77-4.58 (m, 3H), 4.38 (dt, 1H),4.05-3.95 (m, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.46 (d, 4H), 2.80-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.62(t, 4H), 2.50-2.38 (m, 1H).

Step 3

To a flask containing solution of methyl(S)-2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(2.5 g, 4.3 mmol) in 1:1 mixture of iPrOH and THF (140 mL) was added 1.4equiv of LiOH (0.14 g, 6.1 mmol) and the resulting solution was heatedat 45° C. for 15 h. The solution was allowed to cool to RT, diluted withwater (50 mL) and acidified to pH ˜6 with citric acid in water. Theresulting solution was extracted with EtOAc. The EtOAc layer was driedand the solvent removed under reduced pressure to obtain the crudeproduct. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (10%MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) to obtain Example 5A-01 (0.86 g, 35%) as a solid. ¹H NMR(600 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.59 (t,1H), 7.46-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.34 (d, 1H), 6.18 (dd, 2H), 5.43 (s, 2H),5.28-5.20 (m, 1H), 4.81-4.58 (m, 3H), 4.44-4.33 (m, 1H), 4.04 (d, 2H),3.48 (m, 4H), 2.82-2.71 (m, 1H), 2.65 (m, 4H), 2.46 (dd, 1H).LC-MS(ES+): 557.2 (M+H).

Example 6A-012-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylicacid Step 1

To a 3-neck 3-L flask equipped with a mechanic stirrer, charged withIntermediate 4 (106 g, 161 mmol) was added MeCN (886 mL), K₂CO₃ (89.0 g,644 mmol) and Intermediate 27 (52.4 g, 177 mmol). The mixture wasstirred at 60° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was poured into a 4 LErlenmeyer flask and diluted with 1.8 L water. The resulting suspensionwas stirred at RT for 4 h to give a light yellow suspension. The solidswere collected by filtration and dried in a vacuum oven at 45° C.overnight to yield the desired methyl(S)-2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylate(88.6 g, 96%) as a light yellow solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.16(d, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.61-7.74 (m, 3H), 6.88 (d, 1H),6.71 (d, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 5.11-5.26 (m, 1H), 4.85 (dd, 1H), 4.73 (dd,1H), 4.43-4.60 (m, 1H), 4.37 (dt, 1H), 3.96-4.04 (m, 1H), 3.89-3.95 (m,3H), 2.87-3.01 (m, 2H), 2.66-2.81 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.64 (m, 1H), 2.52 (brs, 3H), 2.24 (q, 2H), 1.64-1.81 (m, 3H); LC-MS(ES+): 571.5 (M+H).

Step 2

To a 1 L 3 neck flask equipped with a mechanic overhead stirrer wascharged methyl(S)-2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-(oxetan-2-ylmethyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxylate(35.5 g, 62.21 mmol). MeCN (350 mL) and water (70 mL) were added to theflask. The resulting mixture was stirred at RT for 30 min to form athick suspension. LiOH.H₂O (2.92 g, 68.4 mmol) was slowly added as asolid. The resulting suspension was stirred at 40° C. for 1 h. Thereaction mixture was cooled to RT and treated, dropwise, with 1.0 Mcitric acid (15.5 mL) until the pH of the suspension reached ˜5. Theresulting suspension was stirred at RT for 4 h. The resultant solidswere collected by filtration, the solids were rinsed with −20 ml waterand then dried under a stream of N₂ for 4 h. The solids were dried foran additional 72 h at 40° C. in a vacuum oven to dry to yield Example6A-01 (31.2 g, 90%.) as a solid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 13.03 (brs, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.67-7.73 (m, 2H),7.64 (t, 1H), 6.88 (d, 1H), 6.71 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.93-5.03 (m,1H), 4.87 (s, 1H), 4.70 (d, 1H), 4.36-4.45 (m, 1H), 4.23-4.35 (m, 1H),4.05 (d, 1H), 3.79 (d, 1H), 2.93-3.06 (m, 1H), 2.76-2.88 (m, 1H),2.54-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.34-2.46 (m, 1H), 2.25 (d, 2H), 2.05-2.21 (m, 1H),1.73 (d, 3H), 1.47-1.67 (m, 1H); LC-MS(ES+): 557.6 (M+H).

Example 7A-012-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid Step 1

To a suspension of the oxazol-2-ylmethanamine HCl salt (491 mg, 3.65mmol) and Intermediate 29 (800 mg, 3.32 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was addedK₂CO₃ (1.04 g, 6.63 mmol). The reaction was stirred at 60° C. for 2 h.Additional oxazol-2-ylmethanamine HCl salt (100 mg, 1.0 mmol) was addedand reaction stirred for an additional 30 min at 60° C. The reaction wascooled to RT then diluted with water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc(60 mL). The organic layer was washed with water, then brine, dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The orangeresidue was purified by flash chromatography (12 g silica gel, 0-50%EtOAc/heptane gradient) to deliver tert-butyl4-nitro-3-((oxazol-2-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate (764 mg, 75%) as an orangesolid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.48 (br s, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 7.68 (d, 1H),7.61 (d, 1H), 7.28 (dd, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 4.72 (d, 2H), 1.60 (s, 9H).

Step 2

To a solution of tert-butyl 4-nitro-3-((oxazol-2-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate(15 g, 47 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was added 10% palladium on carbon (1.5g, 10% w/w), and the mixture was then stirred under 50 psi H₂ at RT for6 h. The reaction mixture was then filtered through Celite® to give adark solution. The filtrate was filtered through second Celite® pad andthe filtrate concentrated under reduced pressure to deliver tert-butyl4-amino-3-((oxazol-2-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate (13.1 g, 92%) as a darkfoam. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.62 (s, 1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 7.35 (d, 1H), 7.08(s, 1H), 6.66 (d, 1H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 1.56 (s, 9H).

Step 3

To a stirred solution of tert-butyl4-amino-3-((oxazol-2-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate (13 g, 45 mmol) in MeCN(100 mL) was added 2-chloro-1,1,1-trimethoxy ethane (9.0 ml, 65 mmol)and pTSA.H₂O (400 mg, 2.1 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 60° C. for3 h. The reaction was then cooled to RT and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (120 gsilica gel, 0-100% EtOAc/heptane gradient) to yield tert-butyl2-(chloromethyl)-1-(oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(11.6 g, 74%) as a light yellow solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.19 (d, 1H),7.98 (dd, 1H), 7.77 (d, 1H), 7.64 (d, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 5.64 (s, 2H),5.00 (s, 2H), 1.62-1.66 (m, 9H).

Step 4

To a suspension of tert-butyl2-(chloromethyl)-1-(oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(10.1 g, 29 mmol) and Intermediate 4 (11.2 g, 29.1 mmol) in MeCN (100mL) was added K₂CO₃ (16.1 g, 116 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 60°C. for 2 h and then diluted with water (200 mL) and stirred for anadditional 4 h at RT. The resulting solids were collected by filtrationto deliver tert-butyl2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(16.23 g, 89%) as a solid. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s,1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.70 (br s, 2H), 7.66 (d, 1H), 7.62(t, 1H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 6.79 (d, 1H), 6.69 (d, 1H), 5.91 (s, 2H), 5.44(s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 2H), 2.80 (d, 2H), 2.46 (d, 1H), 2.05-2.13 (m, 2H),1.64 (d, 2H), 1.55 (s, 9H), 1.35-1.43 (m, 2H).

Step 5

To a solution of tert-butyl2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(31.1 g, 50.0 mmol) in DCE (300 mL) was added TFA (40 ml, 530 mmol). Themixture was heated to 70° C. for 4 h and then slowly cooled to RT andstirred overnight. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressureand the residue was dissolved in MeOH (100 mL) and water (300 mL).Saturated aq. NaHCO₃ (85 mL) was added, dropwise, to bring the solutionto pH ˜7. The resulting solids were stirred to granulate for 3 h, andthen collected by filtration to deliver Example 7A-01 (27.3 g, 96%) as asolid. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.93 (br s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.03(s, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.70 (br s, 2H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.62(t, 1H), 7.12 (s, 1H), 6.80 (d, 1H), 6.66-6.71 (m, 1H), 5.90 (s, 2H),5.43 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 2H), 2.81 (d, 2H), 2.46 (m, 1H), 2.10 (t, 2H),1.64 (d, 2H), 1.36-1.46 (m, 2H); LC-MS(ES+): 568.3 (M+H).

Example 8A-01 Ammonium2-((4-(6-((4-Methylbenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate

To a 1 dram vial was added Intermediate 35 (20 mg, 47 μmol) followed by4-methylbenzyl alcohol (100 μmol). THF (500 μL) was added followed byTsunoda Reagent (cyanomethylene tributyl phosphorane, 0.5 M in THF, 400μL, 0.20 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 70° C. for 3 h. Thereaction was cooled to RT and concentrated under reduced pressure. Theresidue was dissolved in MeOH (1 mL). 1 M NaOH (0.15 ml, 150 μmol) wasadded and the mixture heated at 60° C. for 3 h and then held at RT for48 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the crudeproduct purified by preparative SFC to deliver Example 8A-01 (10.7 mg,45%). SFC Method (Column: Phenomenex Biphenyl 4.6×150 mm), 5 μm; Mobilephase A: CO₂ (v/v); Mobile phase B: Methanol w/ 0.2% NH₄OH (v/v) 85%CO₂/15% Methanol w/ 0.2% NH₄OH Linear in 8 min, HOLD at 70% CO₂/30%Methanol w/ 0.2% NH₄OH to 10 min. Flow: 75 mL/min. Back Pressure: 120Bar; Retention time 2.56 min; LC-MS(ES+): 515.4 (M+H).

The compounds listed in Table 3 below were prepared using proceduresanalogous to those described above for the synthesis of Examples 8A-01using the appropriate starting materials which are availablecommercially, prepared using preparations well-known to those skilled inthe art, or prepared in a manner analogous to routes described above forother intermediates. The compounds were purified using methods wellknown to those skilled in the art and may include silica gelchromatography, HPLC, or crystallization from the reaction mixture. Thefinal compounds may have been isolated as neutrals or acid or basesalts.

TABLE 3 Ex. MW Ret. time # Name found (min) 8A-2-((4-(6-((4-cyano-3-methylbenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2- 540.4 2.47 02yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylic acid 8A-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2,5-difluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin- 571.4 2.70 032-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylic acid 8A-2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2,6-difluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin- 571.4 2.67 042-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylic acid

Example 9A-012-((4-(6-(Benzyloxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylicacid Step 1

A mixture of Intermediate 36 (100 mg, 0.251 mmol), benzyl alcohol (48.2mg, 0.446 mmol), BINAP (23.2 mg, 0.0373 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (15.2 mg,0.0166 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (123 mg, 0.378 mmol) in PhMe (2 mL) was stirredat 100° C. for 14 h. The brown mixture was diluted with DCM (50 mL) andfiltered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give abrown oil which was purified by prep-TLC (DCM:MeOH=20:1) to affordmethyl2-((4-(6-(benzyloxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(99.7 mg, 84%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.02(dd, 1H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.59-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.35 (m,2H), 7.23-7.32 (m, 1H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.79(s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 6H), 3.91 (d, 2H), 3.40 (m, 2H), 3.05 (br s, 1H),2.14-2.38 (m, 4H).

Step 2

To a solution of methyl2-((4-(6-(benzyloxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(90.0 mg, 0.191 mmol) in MeOH (3 mL) was added 3.0 M NaOH (2.0 mL, 6.0mmol). The mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 4 h. The reaction mixturewas neutralized with 1 M HCl and the resultant slurry extracted with(DCM:MeOH 10:1, 2×40 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried overMgSO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a yellowsolid. The yellow solid was purified by preparative HPLC (Column: WatersXbridge Prep OBD C18 100×19 mm×5 μm; Mobile phase: from 5% MeCN in water[0.1% TFA] to 95% MeCN in water [0.1% TFA]; Wavelength: 220 nm; Flowrate: 25 ml/min) to deliver Example 9A-01 (33 mg, 28%) as a solid. Dueto the purification solvent, the final compound was likelytrifluoroacetate salt. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.31 (s, 1H), 8.03 (dd,1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.65 (t, 1H), 7.40-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.35 (t, 2H),7.25-7.31 (m, 1H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.79 (s,2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.90 (d, 2H), 3.40 (m, 2H), 3.05 (br s, 1H),2.14-2.37 (m, 4H); LC-MS(ES+): 457.1 (M+H).

The compounds listed in Table 4 below were prepared using proceduresanalogous to those described above for the synthesis of Examples 9A-01using the appropriate starting materials which are availablecommercially, prepared using preparations well-known to those skilled inthe art, or prepared in a manner analogous to routes described above forother intermediates. The compounds were purified using HPLC. Due to thepurification solvent, the final compounds isolated using methods PF-AB01and PF-AB10 were likely trifluoroacetate salts, while compounds isolatedusing method PF-CD05 are likely ammonium salts.

TABLE 4 *MW Ret. time Ex. # Name found (min) **Method 9A-022-{[4-(6-{[2-fluoro-4- 543 3.073 PF-AB01(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]oxy}pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 9A-032-[(4-{6-[(2,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 493 2.897 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid9A-04 2-[(4-{6-[(2,6-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 493 2.333 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid9A-05 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chlorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin- 491 2.934PF-AB01 1-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 9A-062-[(4-{6-[(2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin- 475 2.86 PF-AB011-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 9A-072-[(4-{6-[(4-chlorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin- 491 2.9 PF-AB011-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 9A-082-[(4-{6-[(2,3-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 493 2.883 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid9A-09 1-methyl-2-{[4-(6-{[4- 541 3.087 PF-AB01(trifluoromethoxy)benzyl]oxy}pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 9A-101-methyl-2-{[4-(6-{[2- 541 3.031 PF-AB01(trifluoromethoxy)benzyl]oxy}pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 9A-111-methyl-2-[(4-{6-[(2-methylbenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 471 2.917 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 9A-122-[(4-{6-[(3-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin- 482 2.681 PF-AB011-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 9A-131-methyl-2-{[4-(6-{[4- 525 3.056 PF-AB01(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]oxy}pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 9A-142-[(4-{6-[(2,5-difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 493 2.897 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid9A-15 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin- 482 2.753PF-AB01 1-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid *MWfound: MS(ES+): as (M + H) **HPLC purification method PF-AB01: MobilePhase A: 0.0375% TFA in H₂O. Mobile Phase B: 0.01875% TFA in MeCN.Initial conditions: B: 1%, A: 99%. Gradient: B: 1%, A: 99% to B: 5%, A:95% from t = 0.00 min to 0.60 min, then to B: 100% from t = 0.60 min to4.00 min, then to B: 1%, A: 99% from t = 4.00 min to 4.30 min, holduntil t = 4.70 min. Flow rate = 0.8 mL/min, 2 μL injection volume.**HPLC purification method PF-CD05: Mobile Phase A: 0.05% NH₄OH in H₂OMobile Phase B: 100% MeCN. Initial conditions: B: 5%, A: 95%. Gradient:B: 5%, A: 95% to B: 100%, from t = 0.50 min to 3.40 min, hold until t =4.20 min then to B: 5%, A: 95% from t = 4.21 min to 4.70 min, hold untilt = 4.70 min. Flow rate = 0.8 mL/min, 2 μL injection volume.

Example 10A-012-[(4-{6-[(4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid Step 1

To a colorless solution of methyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate (302 mg, 1.52mmol) and oxazol-5-ylmethanamine (164 mg, 1.67 mmol) in DMF (5.0 mL) wasadded Et₃N (460 mg, 4.55 mmol) slowly at 20° C. The brown solution wasstirred at 60° C. for 36 h. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (50 mL)and washed with H₂O (50 mL). The organic phase was separated and the aq.phase extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic extracts weredried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude product was purified by flash chromatography (10-100% EtOAc/PE) togive methyl 4-nitro-3-((oxazol-5-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate (320 mg, 76%)as orange solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.26 (d, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d,1H), 7.35 (dd, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H), 4.68 (d, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H).

Step 2

To a yellow suspension of methyl4-nitro-3-((oxazol-5-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate (67 mg, 0.24 mmol) in MeOH(8 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (10.3 mg). The mixture was stirred under 1 atmH₂ at RT for 1 h. The solids were removed by filtration and rinsed withMeOH (20 mL). The combined organic layers were then concentrated underreduced pressure to give methyl4-amino-3-((oxazol-5-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate (56 mg, 94%) as a whitesolid. LC-MS(ES+): 247.9 (M+H).

Step 3

To a yellow solution of Intermediate 5 (85 mg, 0.22 mmol),4-amino-3-((oxazol-5-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate (55.5 mg, 0.224 mmol) andHATU (111 mg, 0.292 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added Et₃N (114 mg, 1.12mmol, 0.15 mL). The yellow solution was stirred at 25° C. for 16 h. Themixture was then poured into H₂O (8 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×10mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (20 mL), driedover Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by prep-TLC (EtOAc) to give methyl4-(2-(4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetamido)-3-((oxazol-5-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate(58 mg, 43%) as a yellow oil. LC-MS(ES+): 630.0 (M+Na).

Step 4

A yellow solution of methyl4-(2-(4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetamido)-3-((oxazol-5-ylmethyl)amino)benzoate(58 mg, 0.095 mmol) in AcOH (0.5 mL) was stirred at 60° C. for 3 h andthen at RT for 16 h. The yellow residue was neutralized with sat. aq.Na₂CO₃ and extracted with DCM (3×10 mL). The combined organic extractswas dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressureto give methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(56 mg, 99%) as a yellow oil. LC-MS(ES+): 612.0 (M+Na).

Step 5

To a solution of methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(56 mg, 0.095 mmol) in THF (1 mL) and MeOH (0.2 mL) was added 2 M NaOH(0.0949 mL, 0.190 mmol). The yellow solution was stirred at 25° C. for16 h and then stood for 48 h at 25° C. The yellow solution wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and the residue then dissolved inH₂O (5 mL), acidified to pH ˜5 with 1 M HCl and extracted with DCM (5×10mL). The combined organic extracts were concentrated under reducedpressure and the resultant crude product purified by preparative HPLC(Column: Waters Xbridge Prep OBD C18 150×30 mm×5 μm; Mobile phase: from5% MeCN in water [0.1% TFA] to 95% MeCN in water [0.1% TFA]; Wavelength:220 nm; Flow rate: 25 ml/min) to deliver Example 10A-01 (22 mg, 33%) asa solid. Due to the purification solvent, the final compound was likelyisolated as the trifluoroacetate salt. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.41(s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.03 (dd, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.61-7.70 (m, 1H),7.52 (t, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.20-7.30 (m, 2H), 6.94 (d, 1H), 6.74 (d,1H), 5.78 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.91 (br s, 2H), 3.97 (d, 2H), 3.42 (brs, 2H), 3.07 (br s, 1H), 2.17-2.33 (m, 4H); LC-MS(ES+): 576.1 (M+H).

Example 10A-022-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid Step 1

To a solution of Intermediate 29 (200 mg, 0.829 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) wasadded (1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methanamine (104 mg, 0.829 mmol) andNaHCO₃ (348 mg, 4.15 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C.for 16 h. The reaction mixture was poured into water (10 mL) and thenextracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic extracts werewashed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified byflash chromatography (0 to 5% MeOH/DCM) to give tert-butyl3-(((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate (105 mg,37%) as a pale red oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.23 (d, 1H), 7.96 (br s, 1H),7.66 (d, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.28 (dd, 1H), 7.12 (s, 1H), 4.54 (d, 2H),4.00 (q, 2H), 1.62 (s, 9H), 1.47 (t, 3H).

Step 2

To a solution of tert-butyl3-(((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)amino)-4-nitrobenzoate (105 mg,0.303 mmol) in MeOH (3 mL) and H₂O (1 mL) was added Fe powder (59.2 mg,1.06 mmol) and NH₄Cl (292 mg, 5.46 mmol). The reaction mixture wasstirred at 80° C. for 50 min. The reaction mixture was poured into water(10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×15 mL). The combined organicextracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure to deliver tert-butyl4-amino-3-(((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate (93 mg, 97%)as a pale brown solid which was used directly in the next step.

Step 3

To a pale yellow solution of Intermediate 5 (55 mg, 0.15 mmol) and DMF(1 mL) was added HATU (66.2 mg, 0.174 mmol). The mixture was stirred at30° C. for 10 min. A solution of tert-butyl4-amino-3-(((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate (45.9 mg,0.145 mmol) and DIPEA (56.3 mg, 0.436 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added andthe reaction was stirred at 30° C. for 16 h. The mixture was poured intowater (10 mL) and then extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combinedorganic extracts were washed with aq NH₄Cl (3×20 mL), brine (2×20 mL),dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude product was purified by Prep-TLC (5% MeOH/DCM) to give tert-butyl4-amino-3-(2-(4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)-N-((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)acetamido)benzoate(60 mg, 61%) as a pale brown gum. LC-MS(ES+): 699.4 (M+Na).

Step 4

A pale brown solution of give tert-butyl4-amino-3-(2-(4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)-N-((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)acetamido)benzoate(60 mg, 0.089 mmol) in AcOH (2 mL) was stirred at 60° C. for 16 h. Thereaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum to remove AcOH to delivertert-butyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(56 mg, 96%) as a pale brown gum which was used in the next step withoutfurther purification. LC-MS(ES+): 681.3 (M+Na).

Step 5

To a pale brown solution of tert-butyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(56 mg, 0.085 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added TFA (1 mL). The reactionmixture was stirred at RT (10° C.) for 16 h. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and the crude product purified bypreparative HPLC (Column: Waters Xbridge Prep OBD C18 150×30 mm×5 μm;Mobile phase: from 5% MeCN in water [0.1% TFA] to 95% MeCN in water[0.1% TFA]; Wavelength: 220 nm; Flow rate: 25 ml/min) to deliver Example10A-02 (37 mg, 48%) as a beige solid. Due to the purification solvent,the compound was likely isolated as the trifluoroacetate salt. ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.10 (d, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 8.07 (dd, 1H), 7.88 (d,1H), 7.66 (t, 1H), 7.52 (t, 1H), 7.19-7.28 (m, 2H), 7.08 (d, 1H), 6.93(d, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.84 (s, 2H), 4.36(q, 2H), 3.98 (d, 2H), 3.41 (t, 2H), 3.06 (t, 1H), 2.14-2.40 (m, 4H),1.58 (t, 3H); LC-MS(ES+): 603.1 (M+H).

The compounds listed in Table 5 below were prepared using proceduresanalogous to those described above for the synthesis of Examples 10A-01or 10A-02 using the appropriate starting materials which are availablecommercially, prepared using preparations well-known to those skilled inthe art, or prepared in a manner analogous to routes described above forother intermediates. The compounds were purified using methods wellknown to those skilled in the art and may include silica gelchromatography, HPLC, or crystallization from the reaction mixture. Thefinal compounds may have been isolated as neutrals or acid or basesalts.

TABLE 5 Ex. # Name NMR data/LC-MS data 10A-03 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-Column: OD-H 4.6 × 100 mm, 5 μm Mobile phase A:fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- CO₂; Mobile phase B: MeOH with 0.2% NH₄OH;yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 80:20 A/B Hold for 10 min, Column Temp: 40°C., [(4,4-dimethyloxetan-2- Back Pressure: 150 Bar, Flow: 1.5 mL/min.Retention yl)methyl]-1H- time = 4.53 min. LC-MS(ES+): 593.4 (M + H).benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid, enantiomer 1 10A-042-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- Column: OD-H 4.6 × 100 mm, 5 μm; Mobile phase A:fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- CO₂; Mobile phase B: MeOH with 0.2% NH₄OH;yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 80:20 A/B Hold for 10 min, Column Temp: 40°C., [(4,4-dimethyloxetan-2- Back Pressure: 150 Bar, Flow: 1.5 mL/min.Retention yl)methyl]-1H- time = 4.00 min. LC-MS(ES+): 593.4 (M + H).benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid, enantiomer 2 10A-05 2-[(4-{6-[(2,4- ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.35-8.28 (m, 1H), 7.97difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (dd, 1H), 7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.62-7.46 (m,2H), 7.01-6.89 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (m, 2H), 6.86-6.77 (m, 1H),6.62 (dd, 1H), 5.39 (s, [(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H- 2H), 5.27 (m, 1H),4.85 (m, 1H), 4.72 (dd, 1H), 4.63 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (m, 1H),4.47 (m, 1H), 4.14 (d, 1H), 4.02 (d, 1H), 3.18 acid (d, 1H), 3.07 (d,1H), 2.86-2.65 (m, 2H), 2.60-2.38 (m, 3H), 1.92 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): 549.3(M + H). 10A-06 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.35-8.28 (m, 1H), 7.97 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (dd, 1H), 7.67 (dd,1H), 7.62-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.01-6.89 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (m, 2H),6.86-6.77 (m, 1H), 6.62 (dd, 1H), 5.39 (s, {[4-(propan-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-2H), 5.27 (m, 1H), 4.85 (m, 1H), 4.72 (dd, 1H), 4.63triazol-3-yl]methyl}-1H- (m, 1H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 4.14 (d, 1H), 4.02 (d,1H), 3.18 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (m, 1H), 3.07 (m, 1H), 2.86-2.65(m, 2H), 2.60-2.38 acid (m, 3H), 1.92 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): 549.3 (M + H).10A-07 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.67 (s, 1H),8.37 (d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.08 (dd, 1H), 7.86 (d, 1H),7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.54 (t, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 1H), 7.32-7.18 (m,2H), 6.96 (d, 1H), 6.74 (d, 1H), [(4-ethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3- 6.01 (s,2H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.39 (q, 2H), 3.93 (s, 2H), yl)methyl]-1H- 3.43 (d,3H), 3.09 (s, 1H), 2.29 (m, 4H), 1.57 (t, 3H).benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+): 604.3 (M + H). acid 10A-082-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.35 (d, 1H), 7.99 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.20 (m,2H), 6.29 (d, yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 1H), 6.12 (d, 1H), 5.35 (s,2H), 5.29 (m, 1H), 4.93 (d, [(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H- 2H), 4.75 (dd,1H), 4.66 (m, 1H), 4.49 (m, 1H), 4.05 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (d,1H), 3.94 (d, 1H), 3.53 (t, 4H), 2.89-2.74 (m, 1H), acid 2.70-2.46 (m,5H). MS(ES+): 566.1 (M + H). 10A-09 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.24-8.11 (m, 2H), 7.63 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-(t, 1H), 7.60-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.46 (m, 1H), 6.30 (d, 1H),yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 6.16 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 5.34 (m, 1H), 4.99(d, 2H), yl]methyl}-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2- 4.73-4.53 (m, 2H), 4.30 ( m, 1H),3.96-3.86 (m, 1H), ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5- 3.79 (dd, 2H), 3.10 (m,1H), 2.91 (dd, 1H), 2.88-2.70 b]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid (m, 2H), 2.65(m, 1H), 2.56-2.33 (m, 2H), 1.21 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): 572.1 (M + H). 10A-102-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.22-8.09 (m, 2H),7.45 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (m, 2H), 7.25-7.14 (m, 2H), 6.28 (d,1H), 6.11 (d, 1H), yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 5.35 (m, 3H), 5.04-4.94 (m,2H), 4.71-4.56 (m, 2H), yl]methyl}-3-[(2S)-oxetan-2- 4.30 (m, 1H), 3.95(d, 1H), 3.81 (dd, 2H), 3.17-3.07 ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5- (m, 1H),2.94 (dd, 1H), 2.78 (m, 2H), 2.71-2.59 (m, b]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid1H), 2.57-2.38 (m, 2H), 1.22 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): 581.0 (M + H). 10A-112-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.40 (d, 1H), 8.06 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.66 (dd, 1H), 7.51 (t,1H), 7.27- yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2- 7.19 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, 1H),6.73 (d, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), (dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H- 4.80 (brs, 2H),3.89 (m, 2H), 3.63 (m, 2H), 3.05 (s, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 6H),2.22 (m, 5H). MS(ES+): 566.1 (M + H). acid 10A-12 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.30 (d, 1H), 8.01 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.70-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.52(m, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2- 7.28-7.14 (m, 2H), 6.94 (d,1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, (2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]- 2H), 4.85 (s,2H), 4.61 (t, 2H), 3.99 (m, 2H), 3.73 (t, 1H-benzimidazole-6- 2H), 3.52(t, 2H), 3.43 (m, 2H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 2.37- carboxylic acid 2.19 (m, 4H),1.98 (m, 2H), 1.91-1.80 (m, 2H). MS(ES+): 606.0 (M + H). 10A-132-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.41 (d, 1H), 8.25(d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 2H), 8.07 (dd, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.55(m, 1H), 7.47 yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- (m, 1H), 7.29-7.15 (m, 2H), 6.43(d, 1H), 6.24 (d, 1H), yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-4- 5.78-5.59 (m, 2H),5.39 (s, 2H), 5.17 (d, 1H), 4.74 (d, ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole- 1H),4.08 (m, 2H), 3.74-3.41 (m, 4H), 1.55 (d, 3H). 6-carboxylic acidMS(ES+): 591.1 (M + H). 10A-14 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.42 (d, 1H), 8.27 (d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 2H),8.08 (dd, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.62-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 7.52 (m, 3H), 6.46 (d, 1H), 6.29 (d, 1H),5.80-5.58 (m, yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-4- 2H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 5.20 (d,1H), 4.79 (d, 1H), 4.12 (m, ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole- 1H), 4.00 (m,1H), 3.66 (m, 3H), 3.50 (s, 2H), 1.54 (d, 6-carboxylic acid 3H).MS(ES+): 582.1 (M + H). 10A-15 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.44-8.28 (m, 1H), 8.09 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (dd,1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.71-7.51 (m, 4H),yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 7.20 (s, 1H), 6.43 (d, 1H), 6.28 (d, 1H), 5.90(d, 2H), yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-2- 5.48 (s, 2H), 5.02 (d, 1H), 4.62(d, 1H), 4.03 (m, 2H), ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole- 3.59 (m, 2H), 3.47(s, 1H), 3.24 (m, 1H), 1.47 (d, 3H). 6-carboxylic acid MS(ES+): 582.1(M + H). 10A-16 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.51-8.40 (m, 1H), 8.20 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (s, 1H), 8.09 (dd,1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.54 (t, 1H), 7.47 yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- (t, 1H),7.38 (s, 1H), 7.21 (m, 2H), 6.42 (d, 1H), 6.24yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-5- (d, 1H), 5.86 (d, 2H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 5.01(d, 1H), 4.62 ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole- (d, 1H), 4.12 (m, 2H),3.67-3.36 (m, 4H), 3.24 (s, 1H), 6-carboxylic acid 1.49 (d, 3H).MS(ES+): 591.1 (M + H). 10A-17 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.46 (d, 1H), 8.20 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H),8.09 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.66 (m, 1H), 7.63-yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 7.54 (m, 3H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 6.44 (d, 1H), 6.28(d, 1H), yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-5- 5.86 (d, 2H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 5.01(d, 1H), 4.63 (d, 1H), ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole- 4.25-3.88 (m, 2H),3.59 (m, 2H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 3.25 6-carboxylic acid (m, 2H), 1.47 (d,3H). MS(ES+): 582.1 (M + H). 10A-18 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.38 (d, 1H), 8.08 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.53 (t, 1H), 7.46 (t,yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 1H), 7.29-7.13 (m, 3H), 6.41 (d, 1H), 6.24 (d,1H), yl]methyl}-1-(1,3-oxazol-2- 5.90 (d, 2H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 5.02 (d,1H), 4.61 (d, 1H), ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole- 4.11 (d, 1H), 4.01 (d,1H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 3.48 (m, 1H), 6-carboxylic acid 3.25 (m, 1H), 1.49(d, 3H). MS(ES+): 591.1 (M + H). 10A-19 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- LCMSE(4-302) XBridge C18 2.1 × 50 mm, 5 μm; fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-Mobile phase: 1.0% MeCN in water (0.1% TFA) to 5%yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- MeCN in water (0.1% TFA) in 0.6 min; thenfrom 5% [(1-methylazetidin-3- MeCN in water (0.1% TFA) to 100% MeCN(0.1% yl)methyl]-1H- TFA) in 3.4 min; then back to 1.0% ACN in waterbenzimidazole-6-carboxylic (0.1% TFA) till 4.3 min, and hold 0.7 min.Flow rate: acid 0.8 ml/min. Retention time = 2.541 min. MS(ES+): 578.2(M + H). 10A-20 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- Column: Waters Atlantis dC18 4.6× 50 mm, 5 μm; fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- Mobile phase A: 0.05% TFA inwater (v/v); Mobile yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- phase B: 0.05% TFA inMeCN (v/v); Gradient: 95% [(4,5-dimethyl-4H-1,2,4- H₂O/5% MeCN linear to5% H₂O/95% MeCN in 4.0 triazol-3-yl)methyl]-1H- min, hold at 5% H₂O/95%MeCN to 5.0 min. Flow: 2 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic mL/min. Retentiontime = 2.62 min. MS(ES+): 604.4 acid (M + H). 10A-212-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz CD₃OD) δ 8.72 (s, 1H),8.42-8.35 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (m, 1H), 8.10 (dd, 1H), 7.86 (dd,1H), 7.54 (m, 1H), yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 7.47 (m, 1H), 7.27-7.18 (m,2H), 6.43 (d, 1H), 6.25 (d, yl]methyl}-1-[(4-ethyl-4H- 1H), 6.03 (d,2H), 5.38 (m, 2H), 5.08 (d, 1H), 4.71 (d, 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-1H), 4.38 (q, 2H), 4.15-3.91 (m, 2H), 3.81-3.50 (m,benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3H), 3.45-3.34 (m, 2H), 1.58 (t, 3H), 1.52(d, 3H). acid MS(ES+): 619.1 (M + H). 10A-22 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.77fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (d, 1H), 7.43 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.11 (m, 3H),6.21 (d, 1H), yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 6.09 (d, 1H), 5.93 (s, 2H), 5.32(s, 2H), 4.41 (d, 1H), yl]methyl}-1-[(1-methyl-1H- 4.17 (s, 3H), 3.67(m, 2H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 2.90-2.72 1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H- (m, 2H),2.63-2.52 (m, 2H), 2.32 (m, 1H), 1.17 (d, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic3H). MS(ES+): 605.3 (M + H). acid 10A-23 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.16 (s, 1H), 8.04 (d,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.50-7.66 (m, 3H), 7.42(t, 1H), 7.12 yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- (s, 1H), 6.21 (d, 1H), 6.12 (d,1H), 5.91 (s, 2H), 5.41 yl]methyl}-1-[(1-methyl-1H- (s, 2H), 4.60 (br s,1H), 4.39 (d, 1H), 4.16 (s, 3H), 1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H- 3.66 (d,1H), 3.58 (d, 1H), 3.42 (br s, 1H), 2.68-2.80 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic(m, 2H), 2.46-2.61 (m, 2H), 2.22-2.31 (m, 1H), 1.14 acid (d, 3H).MS(ES+): 596.1 (M + H). 10A-24 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.35-8.14 (m, 3H), fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 7.78-7.67 (m,2H), 7.67-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.38 (s, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3- 6.98(d, 1H), 6.82 (d, 1H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 5.59 (s, 2H),(1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-3H- 4.98 (s, 2H), 4.01 (m, 2H), 3.46 (m, 2H),3.09 (m, 1H), imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- 2.27 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): 568.0(M + H). carboxylic acid 10A-25 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (600MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.78 (br s, 1H), fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 8.07 (s,1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.77 (br s, yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1-1H), 7.70 (d, 2H), 7.63 (t, 1H), 7.44 (t, 1H), 6.48 (br s,yl]methyl}-1-[(1-methyl-1H- 1H), 6.29 (d, 1H), 6.10 (d, 1H), 5.74 (s,2H), 5.38 (s, imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H- 2H), 4.28 (d, 1H), 3.65 (d, 2H),3.62 (s, 3H), 3.55 (d, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 2.86 (t, 1H),2.76 (dd, 1H), 2.53-2.65 (m, 2H), acid 2.27 (t, 1H), 1.06 (d, 1H).MS(ES+): 595.6 (M + H). 10A-26 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.43 (d, 1H), 8.03 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.80(d, 1H), 7.68 (m,1H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.33- yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-7.17 (m, 2H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 6.75 (d, 1H), 5.47 (s, 2H), [(1- 4.83 (s,2H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 3.92 (m, 2H), 3.42 (m, 2H),methoxycyclobutyl)methyl]- 3.36 (s, 3H), 3.16-2.96 (m, 1H), 2.51 (m,2H), 2.27 1H-benzimidazole-6- (m, 4H), 2.06-1.91 (m, 1H), 1.87 (m, 4H).MS(ES+): carboxylic acid 593.1 (M + H). 10A-27 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.11 (d, 1H), 8.02-7.91fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (m, 1H), 7.67-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 1H),7.29-7.15 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (m, 2H), 6.83 (d, 1H), 6.64 (d,1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 4.86 [(3-methyloxetan-3- (d, 2H), 4.72 (s, 2H), 4.41(d, 2H), 3.85 (s, 2H), 3.00 yl)methyl]-1H- (m, 2H), 2.66 (m, 1H),2.33-2.23 (m, 2H), 2.04-1.77 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (m, 4H), 1.41(s, 3H). MS(ES+): 579.3 (M + H). acid 10A-27 2-[(4-{6-[(4- ¹H NMR (400MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.28 (d, 1H), 7.99 (dd, cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H),7.75-7.55 (m, 6H), 6.84 (d, 1H), 6.69 (d, 1H),yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 5.48 (s, 2H), 4.87-4.72 (m, 6H), 3.92 (s,2H), 3.87- (oxetan-3-ylmethyl)-1H- 3.76 (m, 1H), 3.06 (d, 2H), 2.66 (m,1H), 2.34 (m, 2H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1.96-1.80 (m, 4H).MS(ES+): 538.3 (M + H). acid 10A-28 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.26 (d, 1H), 8.03 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H),7.80 (d, 1H), 7.69 (dd, 1H), 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.31-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2- 7.16 (m, 2H), 6.97 (d, 1H), 6.76 (d,1H), 5.49 (s, 2H), (5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2- 4.97 (s, 2H), 4.00 (m,2H), 3.59 (m, 2H), 3.47 (m, 2H), yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole- 3.11 (m,1H), 2.45 (s, 2H), 2.43-2.20 (m, 3H). 6-carboxylic acid MS(ES+): 605.2(M + H). 10A-29 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.40(s, 1H), 8.06 (d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.84 (d, 1H), 7.67(t, 1H), 7.52 (t, 1H), 7.24 (t, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 2H), 6.94(d, 1H), 6.74 (d, 1H), 5.96 (s, 2H), 5.46 (s,[(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2- 2H), 3.95 (br s, 2H), 3.36-3.51 (m, 2H),3.07 (br s, yl)methyl]-1H- 1H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 2.24 (br s, 4H). MS(ES+):591.0 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (M + H). acid 10A-302-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.40 (d, 1H), 8.05 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.70 (m,1H), 7.59- yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.20 (m, 2H),6.99 (d, 1H), 6.78 (d, [(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4- 1H), 5.70 (s, 2H), 5.50(s, 2H), 3.81 (d, 2H), 3.72 (s, yl)methyl]-1H- 3H), 3.44 (m, 1H),3.21-3.07 (m, 1H), 2.27 (m, 4H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+):589.2 (M + H). acid 10A-31 2-[(4-{6-[(2,4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.36 (d, 1H), 8.06 (dd, difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H),7.84 (d, 1H), 7.68 (dd, 1H), 7.57 (m, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 1H),7.20 (s, 1H), 7.07-6.92 (m, 3H), 6.75 (d, 1H),(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H- 5.87 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.94 (s, 2H),3.98 (m, 2H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.46 (m, 2H), 3.10 (m, 1H),2.30 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): acid 589.2 (M + H). 10A-32 2-[(4-{6-[(2,4- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.86 (s, 1H), 8.23 (s, difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-1H), 8.06 (dd, 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.63 (dd, 1H), 7.50-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.59 (m, 1H), 6.93-7.03 (m, 3H), 6.87 (d,1H), 6.69 (d, [(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5- 1H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 5.41 (s, 2H),4.51 (br s, 2H), 4.32 yl)methyl]-1H- (q, 2H), 3.61 (d, 2H), 2.82-3.12(m, 3H), 1.94-2.21 (m, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 4H), 1.52 (t, 3H).MS(ES+): 587.2 (M + H). acid 10A-33 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (d, 1H), 8.07 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H),7.95 (d, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.28-yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.12 (m, 3H), 6.38 (d, 1H), 6.22 (d, 1H),5.91 (s, 2H), (1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H- 5.37 (s, 2H), 4.57 (s, 2H),3.69 (s, 4H), 3.22 (s, 4H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+): 577.1(M + H). acid 10A-34 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.39 (d, 1H), 8.09 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H),7.84 (d, 1H), 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.63- yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.53 (m,3H), 7.21 (d, 1H), 6.45 (d, 1H), 6.30 (d, 1H),(1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H- 5.89 (s, 2H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.81 (s, 2H),3.80 (brs, 4H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.48 (brs, 4H). MS(ES+):568.2 (M + H). acid 10A-35 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD)δ 9.07 (d, 1H), 8.26 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.09 (dd,1H), 7.85 (dd, 1H), 7.66 (dd, 1H), 7.62- yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1-7.47 (m, 3H), 7.10 (d, 1H), 6.35 (d, 1H), 6.24 (d, 1H),[(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5- 5.96-5.85 (m, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.43-4.29 (m,4H), yl)methyl]-1H- 3.53 (m, 4H), 3.00 (m, 4H), 1.58 (t, 3H). MS(ES+):benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 595.1 (M + H). acid 10A-362-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.21-8.13 (m, 1H), 8.02fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (dd, 1H), 7.78-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.45 (m, 2H),7.27-7.12 yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (m, 2H), 6.67 (s, 1H), 6.25 (d,1H), 6.12 (d, 1H), 5.80 [(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5- (s, 2H), 5.41-5.28 (m,2H), 3.91 (s, 2H), 3.67 (s, 3H), yl)methyl]-1H- 3.44-3.34 (m, 4H), 2.55(m, 4H). MS(ES+): 590.0 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (M + H). acid 10A-372-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.17 (dd, 1H), 8.02 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.76-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.62 (m, 1H),7.56 (m, yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 2H), 7.45 (t, 1H), 6.66 (d, 1H),6.26 (d, 1H), 6.15 (d, [(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5- 1H), 5.80 (d, 2H), 5.43(s, 2H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 3.67 (s, yl)methyl]-1H- 3H), 2.53 (t, 4H).MS(ES+): 581.1 (M + H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 10A-382-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 6.75 (d, 1H), 6.52-6.44fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (m, 1H), 6.26 (dd, 1H), 6.09 (m, 1H), 5.92(m, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 5.73 (d, 1H), 5.65 (m, 2H), 5.55(dd, 1H), 5.37 (dd, [(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2- 1H), 5.17 (dd, 1H), 4.40(brs, 2H), 3.89 (m, 2H), 3.23 yl)methyl]-1H- (s, 2H), 2.48 (m, 3H), 2.21(m, 2H), 1.85-1.67 (m, 2H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1.54-1.42 (m,1H), 0.60 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): 589.1 acid (M + H). 10A-392-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.03 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.71-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.52(m, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.29-7.19 (m, 2H), 6.94 (d, 1H),6.74 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, ethyl-1H-benzimidazole-6- 2H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 4.44(q, 2H), 3.94 (m, 2H), 3.37 (m, carboxylic acid 2H), 3.06 (m, 1H), 2.25(m, 4H), 1.49 (t, 3H). MS(ES+): 523.2 (M + H). 10A-402-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.48-8.39 (m, 1H), 8.03fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (dd, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.69 (dd, 1H), 7.54(m, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.31-7.23 (m, 2H), 6.96 (d, 1H),6.76 (d, 1H), 5.48 (s, (propan-2-yl)-1H- 2H), 4.86 (s, 2H), 3.96 (m,2H), 3.40 (m, 2H), 3.07 (m, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 2.41-2.18(m, 4H), 1.76 (d, 6H). MS(ES+): 536.9 acid (M + H). 10A-412-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.37 (d, 1H), 8.22 (s,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 2H), 8.03 (dd, 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.71-7.62(m, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.52 (m, 1H), 7.30-7.19 (m, 2H),6.94 (d, 1H), 6.74 (d, (1,3-oxazol-4-ylmethyl)-1H- 1H), 5.69 (s, 2H),5.46 (s, 2H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 3.76 (m, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 2H),3.24 (m, 2H), 3.02 (m, 1H), 2.19 (m, 4H). acid MS(ES+): 576.2 (M + H).10A-42 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (d, 1H),8.06 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H),7.68 (dd, 1H), 7.53 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (m,1H), 7.30-7.14 (m,3H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 6.75 (d, 1H), (1,3-oxazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H- 5.88 (s,2H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 3.90 (m, 2H), 3.06 (m, 1H),benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 2.25 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): 576.2 (M + H). acid10A-43 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.42 (d, 1H),8.19 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H),7.72 (m, 2H), 7.66- yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.38 (s,1H), 6.98 (d, 1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), (1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H- 5.79 (s,2H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 4.94 (s, 2H), 3.99 (m, 2H),benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.45 (m, 2H), 3.09 (m, 1H), 2.27 (m, 5H).MS(ES+): acid 567.1 (M + H). 10A-44 2-[(4-{6-[(2,4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.42 (dd, 1H), 8.20 (s, difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H),8.06-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.82 (dd, 1H), 7.68 (dd, 1H),yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.61-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.07-6.92(m, 3H), (1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H- 6.75 (dd, 1H), 5.80 (s, 2H), 5.46(s, 2H), 4.94 (s, 2H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 4.01 (m, 2H), 3.47 (m,2H), 3.17-3.04 (m, 1H), 2.41- acid 2.20 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): 560.1 (M + H).10A-45 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.44 (d, 1H),8.18 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.07 (dd, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H),7.54 (t, 1H), 7.47 (t, yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H),7.21 (t, 1H), 6.42 (d, 1H), 6.24 (d, (1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H- 1H),5.82 (s, 2H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 3.82 (brbenzimidazole-6-carboxylic s, 4H), 3.43 (br s, 4H). MS(ES+): 577.1 (M +H). acid 10A-46 1-[(4-tert-butyl-4H-1,2,4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.71 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, triazol-3-yl) methyl]-2-[(4-{6- 1H), 8.06 (dd,1H), 7.86 (d, 1H), 7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.54 [(4-chloro-2- (m, 1H), 7.31-7.18(m, 2H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 6.74 (d, 1H), fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 6.11(s, 2H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 4.84 (s, 2H), 3.96 (m, 2H),yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1H- 3.41 (d, 2H), 3.09 (m, 1H), 2.28 (m, 4H),1.90 (s, 9H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+): 632.3 (M + H). acid10A-47 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.75 (brs, 1H), fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 8.26 (d, 1H), 7.87 (dd, 1H), 7.80(dd, 1H), 7.58-7.73 yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- (m, 3H), 7.46 (t, 1H), 6.33(d, 1H), 6.11 (d, 1H), 5.39 yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2- (s, 2H),5.09-5.21 (m, 1H), 4.71-4.80 (m, 2H), 4.43- ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-4.52 (m, 1H), 4.35 (d, 1H), 4.27 (dt, 1H), 3.81 (d, 1H), 6-carboxylicacid 3.72 (d, 1H), 3.64 (d, 1H), 2.98 (t, 1H), 2.80 (dd, 1H), 2.63-2.73(m, 2H), 2.57 (br s, 1H), 2.24-2.42 (m, 2H), 1.09 (d, 3H). MS(ES+):571.7 (M + H). 10A-48 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.21 (d, 1H), 7.96 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.61 (d, 1H),7.46 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.16 (m, 2H), yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 6.29 (d,1H), 6.12 (d, 1H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 5.34-5.26 (m,[(2R)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H- 1H), 4.74 (dd, 1H), 4.65 (m, 1H), 4.48 (m,1H), 4.04 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (d, 1H), 3.94 (d, 1H), 3.53 (t,4H), 2.87-2.74 (m, 1H), acid 2.69-2.49 (m, 5H). MS(ES+): 566.1 (M + H).10A-49 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD 4) δ 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.00(d, cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.71 (dd, 3H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.46(m, 1H), 6.29 (d, yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 1H), 6.16 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s,2H), 5.31 (m, 1H), 4.84- yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2- 4.74 (m, 1H),4.70-4.49 (m, 3H), 4.41-4.30 (m, 1H), ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole- 3.78(m, 3H), 3.09 (m, 1H), 2.92 (m, 1H), 2.77 (d, 2H), 6-carboxylic acid2.64 (m, 1H), 2.44 (m, 2H), 1.20 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): 553.1 (M + H). 10A-502-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (d, 1H), 8.07 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.52 (m,1H), 7.31- yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2- 7.19 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, 1H),6.74 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), hydroxyethyl)-1H- 4.83 (s, 2H), 4.64 (m,2H), 3.99 (m, 2H), 3.86 (m, 2H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.41 (m,2H), 3.14-3.01 (m, 1H), 2.28-2.14 (m, 4H). acid MS(ES+): 539.2 (M + H).10A-51 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.35 (d, 1H),8.05 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.69 (dd, 1H),7.53 (m, 1H), 7.33- yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.20 (m, 2H), 6.96 (d,1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 5.81 (s, 2H), [(5-ethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3- 5.47 (s,2H), 4.96 (s, 2H), 3.99 (m, 2H), 3.49 (m, 2H), yl)methyl]-1H- 3.10 (m,1H), 2.92 (q, 2H), 2.29 (m, 4H), 1.32 (t, 3H).benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+): 605.1 (M + H). acid 10A-522-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.32 (d, 1H), 8.05 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.84 (d, 1H), 7.66 (dd, 1H), 7.51 (m,1H), 7.30- yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.18 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, 1H), 6.74(d, 1H), 6.01 (s, 2H), [(3-ethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5- 5.44 (s, 2H), 3.95(m, 2H), 3.41 (m, 3H), 3.06 (m, 1H), yl)methyl]-1H- 2.70 (q, 2H),2.34-2.16 (m, 5H), 1.23 (t, 3H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+):605.1 (M + H). acid 10A-53 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.35 (d, 1H), 8.00 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.71(d, 1H), 7.60 (dd, 1H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 7.21 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(m, 2H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 6.70-6.62 (m, 1H), 5.43 (d, 2H),[(2-methyloxetan-2- 4.88-4.81 (m, 1H), 4.66 (d, 2H), 4.48-4.37 (m, 1H),yl)methyl]-1H- 4.19 (d, 1H), 4.12-4.02 (m, 2H), 3.12 (d, 2H), 2.70 (m,benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 2.50 (m, 3H), 1.90 (m, 4H), 1.55 (s,3H). acid MS(ES+): 579.1 (M + H). 10A-54 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.32 (d, 1H), 7.98 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]-5- 1H),7.72 (t, 1H), 7.70-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.42 (dd, 1H),fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1- 6.86 (dd, 1H), 5.61 (s, 2H), 5.30 (m,1H), 4.75 (dd, yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2- 1H), 4.70-4.60 (m, 1H), 4.50(dt, 1H), 4.07 (d, 1H), ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole- 3.95 (d, 1H), 3.09(d, 1H), 2.99 (d, 1H), 2.88-2.75 (m, 6-carboxylic acid 1H), 2.65 (m,1H), 2.56 (m, 1H), 2.33 (ddd, 2H), 1.94- 1.73 (m, 5H). MS(ES+): 574.1(M + H). 10A-55 2-[(4-{6-[(4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.27 (d, 1H),7.90- cyanobenzyl)oxy]-5- 7.83 (m, 2H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.69-7.55 (m,4H), 6.91 fluoropyridin-2-yl}piperidin-1- (dd, 1H), 5.53 (s, 2H),5.16-5.05 (m, 1H), 4.80 (dd, yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2- 1H), 4.66 (dd,1H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 4.38 (m, 1H), 3.94 ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole- (d,1H), 3.78 (d, 1H), 2.98 (d, 1H), 2.85 (d, 1H), 2.77- 6-carboxylic acid2.53 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.31 (m, 1H), 2.19 (m, 2H), 1.71 (m, 4H). MS(ES+):556.1 (M + H). 10A-56 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(2,4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.35 (d, 1H), 8.00 (dd, difluorobenzyl)oxy]-5- 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H),7.59-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.29 (dd, 1H), fluoropyridin-2-yl}-2- 7.03-6.91 (m,2H), 6.22 (dd, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 5.35- methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-5.25 (m, 1H), 4.95 (m, 1H), 4.79 (dd, 1H), 4.68-4.531-[(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]- (m, 2H), 4.36 (m, 1H), 3.85 (d, 1H), 3.72(t, 2H), 3.07 1H-benzimidazole-6- (m, 1H), 2.90 (dd, 1H), 2.86-2.72 (m,2H), 2.72-2.60 carboxylic acid (m, 1H), 2.53-2.37 (m, 2H), 1.23 (d, 3H).MS(ES+): 582.1 (M + H). 10A-57 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(2,4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.35 (d, 1H), 8.00 (dd, difluorobenzyl)oxy]-5- 1H), 7.70 (d,1H), 7.58-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.31 (dd, 1H), fluoropyridin-2-yl}-2- 7.07-6.92(m, 2H), 6.24 (dd, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.27 methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-(q, 1H), 5.09 (dd, 1H), 4.77-4.61 (m, 3H), 4.56 (dt,1-[(2R)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]- 1H), 4.01-3.90 (m, 1H), 3.82 (d, 1H), 3.64(d, 1H), 1H-benzimidazole-6- 3.03 (t, 1H), 2.93-2.74 (m, 3H), 2.74-2.55(m, 2H), carboxylic acid 2.44 (t, 1H), 1.35 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): 582.1 (M +H). 10A-58 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(2,4- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.41-8.28 (m,1H), 8.00 difluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (dd, 1H), 7.70 (dd, 1H),7.60-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.05-6.86 yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- (m, 2H), 6.28 (d,1H), 6.10 (d, 1H), 5.33 (s, 3H), 4.80 yl]methyl}-1-[(2S)-oxetan-2- (dd,1H), 4.67-4.52 (m, 2H), 4.37 (dt, 1H), 3.93 (d,ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole- 1H), 3.82 (d, 1H), 3.71 (d, 1H), 3.15-3.04(m, 1H), 6-carboxylic acid 2.96 (dd, 1H), 2.86-2.73 (m, 2H), 2.72-2.61(m, 1H), 2.56-2.35 (m, 2H), 1.23 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): 564.0 (M + H). 10A-592-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.45 (d, 1H), 8.14(dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.84 (d, 1H), 7.66 (m, 1H),7.62-7.48 (m, 3H), yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 6.42 (d, 1H), 6.27 (d, 1H),5.48 (s, 2H), 4.55-4.36 (m, yl]methyl}-1-[(3R)- 3H), 4.19-3.96 (m, 3H),3.81 (m, 1H), 3.70 (m, 1H), tetrahydrofuran-3-ylmethyl]- 3.58 (m, 1H),3.42 (s, 2H), 3.26 (m, 1H), 3.11 (m, 1H), 1H-benzimidazole-6- 2.98 (m,1H), 2.20-2.05 (m, 1H), 1.83 (m, 1H), 1.43 carboxylic acid (d, 3H).MS(ES+): 585.1 (M + H). 10A-60 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.62 (s, 1H), 8.03 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.81(d, 1H), 7.68 (t, 1H), 7.54 (t, 1H), 7.29-7.22yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (m, 2H), 6.96 (d, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 5.48(s, 2H), 5.46- [(3R)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl]- 5.39 (m, 1H), 4.92 (s, 2H),4.48 (td, 1H), 4.32 (dd, 1H-benzimidazole-6- 1H), 4.10 (dd, 1H),4.03-3.92 (m, 2H), 3.90-3.79 (m, carboxylic acid 1H), 3.46 (t, 2H),3.13-3.07 (m, 1H), 2.77-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.39-2.19 (m, 5H). MS(ES+): 565.4(M + H). 10A-61 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.44(dd, 1H), 8.19 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.08 (dd, 1H), 7.81(dd, 1H), 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.62- yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.51 (m, 3H),7.36 (s, 1H), 6.43 (d, 1H), 6.28 (d, 1H), (1,3-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-5.85 (s, 2H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 3.76 (brs, 4H).benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+): 568.1 (M + H). acid 10A-622-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.27 (d, 1H), 8.11 (dd,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.66 (t, 1H), 7.63-7.49(m, 3H), 7.24 yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (s, 1H), 6.38 (d, 1H), 6.26(d, 1H), 5.92 (s, 2H), 5.46 [(1-ethyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5- (s, 2H),4.57-4.47 (m, 4H), 3.62 (s, 4H), 3.19 (s, 4H), yl)methyl]-1H- 1.54 (t,3H). MS(ES+): 596.1 (M + H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 10A-632-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.09 (d, 1H), 8.25(d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.09 (dd, 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H),7.72-7.41 (m, 4H), yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 7.08 (d, 1H), 6.36 (d, 1H),6.24 (d, 1H), 5.93 (d, 2H), yl]methyl}-1-[(1-ethyl-1H- 5.56-5.39 (m,2H), 4.77 (d, 1H), 4.49-4.21 (m, 3H), imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H- 3.87(dd, 2H), 3.23-3.11 (m, 1H), 2.97 (m, 1H), 1.61benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (t, 3H), 1.37 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): 609.2 (M +H). acid 10A-64 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.38(dd, 2H), 8.06 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.84 (d, 1H),7.71-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.53 (m, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.32-7.18(m, 2H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 6.56 (d,(1,2-oxazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H- 1H), 5.90 (s, 2H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 3.96 (m,2H), 3.41 (s, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 2H), 3.11 (m, 1H); 2.27 (m,4H). MS(ES+): 576.1 acid (M + H). 10A-65 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.72 (d, 1H), 8.35 (s, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-1H), 8.05 (d, 1H), 7.84 (d, 1H), 7.71 (m, 2H), 7.61 (m,yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 2H), 6.97 (d, 1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), 6.62 (d,1H), 5.81 (s, (1,2-oxazol-3-ylmethyl)-1H- 2H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 3.97 (m,2H), 3.42 (m, 3H), 3.07 (m, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 2.25 (d,4H). MS(ES+): 567.1 (M + H). acid 10A-66 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.11 (d, 1H), 8.27 (d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-1H), 8.09 (dd, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.76-7.66 (m, 2H),yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.66-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.09 (d, 1H), 6.96 (d,1H), 6.80 (d, [(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5- 1H), 5.89 (d, 2H), 5.57 (s, 2H),4.85 (s, 2H), 4.37 (m, yl)methyl]-1H- 2H), 3.97 (d, 2H), 3.40 (d, 2H),3.11-2.98 (m, 1H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 2.23 (m, 4H), 1.60 (t,3H). MS(ES+): 594.1 (M + H). acid 10A-67 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.11 (d, 1H), 8.26 (s,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.10 (dd, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.52 (m,1H), 7.45 (d, yl}-2-methylpiperazin-1- 1H), 7.26-7.15 (m, 2H), 7.10 (s,1H), 6.38 (d, 1H), yl]methyl}-1-[(1-ethyl-1H- 6.28-6.15 (m, 1H), 5.92(s, 2H), 5.36 (s, 2H), 4.39 (m, imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H- 3H), 4.00 (m,2H), 3.48 (m, 4H), 3.15 (m, 1H), 1.62 (t, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic3H), 1.44 (m, 3H). MS(ES+): 618.1 (M + H). acid 10A-682-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.77 (s, 1H), 8.47 (s,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 8.30 (s, 1H), 8.03 (dd, 1H), 7.80 (d,1H), 7.68- yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.59 (m, 1H), 7.51 (m, 1H),7.29-7.17 (m, 2H), 6.91 (1,2-oxazol-4-ylmethyl)-1H- (d, 1H), 6.71 (d,1H), 5.59 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.66 benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (brs,2H), 3.76 (m, 2H), 3.32-3.04 (m, 2H), 2.97 (m, acid 1H), 2.17 (m, 5H).MS(ES+): 576.2 (M + H). 10A-69 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.08 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.89(d, 1H), 7.76-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.67-7.55 (m, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 6.96 (d, 1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), 5.89 (s,[(1-ethyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5- 2H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 4.53 (q,2H), 3.95 (m, yl)methyl]-1H- 2H), 3.04 (m, 1H), 2.23 (m, 4H), 1.54 (t,3H). benzimidazole-6-carboxylic MS(ES+): 595.3 (M + H). acid 10A-702-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- LCMS Ultimate XB-C18, 3 μm, 3.0 × 50 mm; Mobilefluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- phase: A: H₂O (0.1% TFA), Mobile phase B:MeCN yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (0.1% TFA). Gradient: 1% B to 5% B in1 min; then (1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-ylmethyl)- from 5% B to 100% B in 5 min;hold at 100% B for 2 1H-benzimidazole-6- min; back to 1.0% B at 8.01min, hold two min. Flow carboxylic acid rate: 1.2 ml/min. Retention time= 3.93 min. MS(ES+): 577.2 (M + H) 10A-71 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.62 (s, 1H), 8.04 (dd, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.69 (dd, 1H), 7.54 (t, 1H), 7.33-yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.20 (m, 2H), 6.96 (d, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H),5.48 (s, 2H), [(3S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl]- 5.45-5.35 (m, 1H), 4.92 (s,2H), 4.49 (td, 1H), 4.32 1H-benzimidazole-6- (dd, 1H), 4.09 (dd, 1H),4.03-4.92 (m, 2H), 3.90-3.79 carboxylic acid (m, 1H), 3.46 (t, 2H),3.19-3.00 (m, 1H), 2.76-2.64 (m, 1H), 2.40-2.18 (m, 5H). MS(ES+): 565.4(M + H). 10A-72 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ: 8.35 (s, 1H),8.03 (d, 1H), 7.81 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (d, 1H), 7.67 (t, 1H),7.52 (t, 1H), 7.24 (t, 2H), 6.94 (d, yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 1H),6.74 (d, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.83 (br s, 2H), 4.37[(3R)-tetrahydrofuran-3- (qd, 2H), 4.05 (q, 1H), 3.95 (br s, 2H), 3.79(q, 1H), ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole- 3.63-3.73 (m, 1H), 3.54 (dd, 1H),3.42 (br s, 2H), 3.07 6-carboxylic acid (br s, 1H), 2.91 (br s, 1H),2.30 (d, 2H), 2.19-2.26 (m, 2H), 2.09 (td, 1H), 1.79 (td, 1H). MS(ES+):579.4 (M + H). 10A-73 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.34 (s, 1H), 8.03 (d, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H),7.67 (t, 1H), 7.51 (t, 1H), 7.19-7.29 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- (m,2H), 6.94 (d, 1H), 6.75 (d, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.84[(2S)-tetrahydrofuran-2- (q, 2H), 4.69 (d, 1H), 4.45 (dd, 1H), 4.16-4.28(m, ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole- 1H), 3.86-3.99 (m, 3H), 3.77 (q, 1H),3.43 (d, 2H), 6-carboxylic acid 3.08 (br s, 1H), 2.16-2.35 (m, 5H),1.87-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.63-1.74 (m, 1H). MS(ES+): 579.4 (M + H). 10A-742-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.21-8.12 (m, 2H), 7.46fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (m, 2H), 7.26-7.15 (m, 2H), 6.30 (d, 1H),6.13 (d, 1H), yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3- 5.41-5.26 (m, 3H), 5.06 (dd,1H), 4.64 (m, 1H), 4.46 [(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H- (m, 1H), 4.17 (d,1H), 4.08 (d, 1H), 3.57 (t, 4H), 2.86- imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- 2.73(m, 1H), 2.70 (d, 4H), 2.61-2.49 (m, 1H). carboxylic acid MS(ES+): 567.0(M + H). 10A-75 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.06 (d,1H), 8.40-8.17 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (m, 2H), 7.79-7.66 (m, 2H),7.66-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.48 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3- (d, 1H), 6.96 (d,1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), 5.90 (s, 2H), 5.58 [(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5- (s, 2H),4.86 (s, 2H), 4.55 (q, 2H), 4.10-3.81 (m, 1H),yl)methyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5- 3.04 (m, 1H), 2.23 (m, 4H), 1.54 (t, 3H).MS(ES+): b]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 595.1 (M + H). 10A-762-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.93 (s, 1H), 8.37-8.13fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- (m, 2H), 7.78-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.55 (m,2H), 7.47 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-3- (s, 1H), 6.96 (d, 1H), 6.80 (d,1H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 5.58 [(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5- (s, 2H), 4.81 (s, 2H),4.13 (s, 3H), 3.88 (d, 2H), 3.02 yl)methyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5- (s, 1H),2.18 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): 581.1 (M + H). b]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid10A-77 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.11 (q, 2H),7.65 (m, fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.56 (m, 2H), 7.47 (m, 1H),6.31 (d, 1H), 6.16 (d, yl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3- 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H),5.32 (s, 1H), 5.06 (dd, 1H), 4.92 (d, [(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-3H- 1H),4.64 (m, 1H), 4.46 (m, 1H), 4.12 (d, 1H), 4.03 (d,imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5- 1H), 3.52 (m, 4H), 2.80 (m, 1H), 2.69-2.46 (m,5H). carboxylic acid MS(ES+): 558.1 (M + H). 10A-78 2-[(4-{6-[(4- ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.34 (d, 1H), 8.00 (dd, cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.78-7.67 (m, 3H), 7.67-7.52 (m, 3H),yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 6.86 (d, 1H), 6.70 (d, 1H), 5.49 (s, 2H),5.33-5.21 (m, [(2S)-oxetan-2-ylmethyl]-1H- 1H), 4.86 (m, 1H), 4.74 (m,1H), 4.69-4.57 (m, 1H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 4.48 (m, 1H),4.21-3.97 (m, 2H), 3.13 (m, 2H), 2.89- acid 2.77 (m, 1H), 2.69 (m, 1H),2.60-2.40 (m, 3H), 1.89 (m, 4H). MS(ES+): 538.3 (M + H). 10A-792-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 8.30 (s, 1H), 8.00 (d,fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 1H), 7.68 (d, 1H), 7.56-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.48(t, 1H), yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1- 7.16-7.28 (m, 2H), 6.86 (d, 1H),6.67 (d, 1H), 5.41 (s, [(1-methylazetidin-2- 2H), 4.77 (d, 2H), 4.27 (t,1H), 4.06 (d, 2H), 3.82 (td, yl)methyl]-1H- 1H), 3.33-3.43 (m, 1H), 3.19(d, 2H), 2.71-2.85 (m, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 2.47-2.57 (m,1H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 2.34-2.41 (m, acid 1H), 2.18-2.30 (m, 1H), 1.80-2.01(m, 4H). MS(ES+): 578.0 (M + H).

The compounds listed in Table 6 below were prepared by parallelsynthesis using procedures analogous to those described above for thesynthesis of Examples 10A-01 using the appropriate starting materialswhich are available commercially, prepared using preparations well-knownto those skilled in the art, or prepared in a manner analogous to routesdescribed above for other intermediates. The compounds were purifiedusing HPLC. Due to the purification solvent, the final compoundsisolated using methods PF-AB01 and PF-AB10 were likely trifluoroacetatesalts, while compounds isolated using method PF-CD05 are likely ammoniumsalts.

TABLE 6 Ret. *MW time Ex. # Name found (min) **Method 11A-012-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 603 2.716 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-022-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 620 2.637 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-032-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 606 2.568 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethylpyrrolidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-042-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 606 2.549 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methylpiperidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-052-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 607 2.962 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-062-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 618 3.041 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-{[3-(propan-2-yl)-1,2-oxazol-5-yl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-072-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 620 2.602 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-082-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 606 2.559 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-092-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 606 2.369 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-102-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 606 2.56 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methylpiperidin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-112-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 622 2.333 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(4-methylmorpholin-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-122-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 650 2.552 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-{[1-(2-methoxyethyl)piperidin-4-yl]methyl}-1H- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid11A-13 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 650 2.572PF-AB10 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-{[1-(2-methoxyethyl)piperidin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid11A-14 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 593 2.901PF-AB10 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(3-methyltetrahydrofuran-3-yl)methyl]-1H- benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid11A-15 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 575 2.37PF-CD05 yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-162-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 563 3.029 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(cyclobutylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-172-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.926 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-182-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 581 2.831 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2-ethoxypropyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-192-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 634 2.368 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-{[4-(2-methoxyethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole- 6-carboxylic acid 11A-202-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 608 2.382 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidin-3-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-212-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 589 3.002 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-222-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 581 3.003 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2-methoxy-2-methylpropyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-232-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 576 2.236 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-242-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 575 2.409 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1H-pyrazol-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-252-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 576 2.302 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-262-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 565 2.829 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-272-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 573 2.773 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(2,2-difluoropropyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-282-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 589 2.862 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-292-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 605 3.069 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(3-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-302-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 622 2.779 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(2-oxo-1,3-oxazinan-3-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-312-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 603 2.899 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-322-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 603 3.001 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-332-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.986 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-342-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 592 2.397 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-{[(2R)-1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole- 6-carboxylic acid 11A-352-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.94 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(5-methyl-1,2-oxazol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-362-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.84 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-372-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 575 2.354 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1H-imidazol-5-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-382-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 567 2.703 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(3-methoxypropyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-392-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 603 2.455 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-402-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 593 2.907 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-412-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 589 2.695 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-422-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 606 2.974 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-5-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-432-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 589 2.808 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-442-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 604 2.801 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-452-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 567 2.721 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2S)-1-methoxypropan-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-462-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 567 2.723 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2R)-1-methoxypropan-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-472-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.481 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(3-methyl-1,2-oxazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-482-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.481 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-492-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 593 2.87 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-502-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 608 2.775 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-512-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 599 2.853 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(3,3-difluorocyclobutyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-522-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 604 2.964 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[1-(4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-532-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 604 2.762 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-542-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 606 2.599 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-{[(2R)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-552-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 604 2.492 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2,5-dimethyl-1,3-oxazol-4-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-562-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 636 2.742 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-572-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 617 2.934 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-582-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 589 2.428 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-592-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.347 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-602-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 604 2.471 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[1-(2-methyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-612-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 600 2.583 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-622-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 619 2.413 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-{[3-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-632-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 608 2.745 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(4-methylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-642-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 616 2.401 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(5-cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-652-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 607 2.912 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-662-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 604 2.305 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[2-(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-672-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 604 2.379 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[1-(5-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-682-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 579 2.924 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(2R)-tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-692-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 576 2.465 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(1,2-oxazol-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-702-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 589 2.378 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-712-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.73 PF-AB01yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-722-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 590 2.381 PF-CD05yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-[(1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-6- carboxylic acid 11A-732-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 591 2.811 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 11A-742-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2- 607 2.757 PF-AB10yl}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-{[1- (methoxymethyl)cyclobutyl]methyl}-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid *MW found: MS(ES+): as (M + H) **HPLCpurification method PF-AB01: Mobile Phase A: 0.0375% TFA in H₂O. MobilePhase B: 0.01875% TFA in MeCN. Initial conditions: B: 1%, A: 99%.Gradient: B: 1%, A: 99% to B: 5%, A: 95% from t = 0.00 min to 0.60 min,then to B: 100% from t = 0.60 min to 4.00 min, then to B: 1%, A: 99%from t = 4.00 min to 4.30 min, hold until t = 4.70 min. Flow rate = 0.8mL/min, 2 μL injection volume **HPLC purification method PF-AB10: MobilePhase A: 0.0375% TFA in H₂O. Mobile Phase B: 0.01875% TFA in MeCN.Initial conditions: B: 10%, A: 90%. Gradient: B: 10%, A: 90% from t =0.00 min to 0.50 min, then to B: 100% from t = 0.60 min to 4.00 min,then to B: 10%, A: 90% from t = 4.00 min to 4.30 min, hold until t =4.70 min. Flow rate = 0.8 mL/min, 2 μL injection volume **HPLCpurification method PF-CD05: Mobile Phase A: 0.05% NH₄OH in H₂O MobilePhase B: 100% MeCN. Initial conditions: B: 5%, A: 95%. Gradient: B: 5%,A: 95% to B: 100%, from t = 0.50 min to 3.40 min, hold until t = 4.20min then to B: 5%, A: 95% from t = 4.21 min to 4.70 min, hold until t =4.70 min. Flow rate = 0.8 mL/min, 2 μL injection volume

Example 12A-012-((4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylicacid, enantiomer 1 Example 12A-022-((4-(6-((4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylicacid, enantiomer 2 Step 1

To a solution of 4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl alcohol (15.0 g, 93.4 mmol) inDMF (250 mL) was added NaH (4.48 g, 112 mmol, 60% susp.) at 0° C. Afterstirring at 15° C. for 40 min, 2,6-dichloropyridine (16.6 g, 112 mmol)was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 3 h. Themixture was poured into water (1 L) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL).The combined organic layers were washed with sat. NH₄Cl (500 mL), brine(500 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (PE) togive 2-chloro-6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridine (19.2 g, 75%) asa solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.55 (t, 1H), 7.47 (t, 1H), 7.15 (t, 2H), 6.94(d, 1H), 6.71 (d, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H).

Step 2

To a solution of tert-butyl 3-(trifluoromethyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate(100 mg, 0.393 mmol) in MeCN (2 mL) was added Intermediate 19 (111 mg,0.393 mmol), tetrabutylammonium iodide (145 mg, 0.39 mmol) andN,N-diisopropylethyl amine (152 mg, 1.18 mmol). The reaction mixture wasstirred at 150° C. for 1 h under microwave conditions. The reactionmixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by prep-TLC(33% EtOAc/PE) to deliver methyl2-((4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(100 mg, 51%) as yellow oil. MS(ES+): 501.1 (M+H).

Step 3

To a solution of methyl2-((4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(100 mg, 0.2 mmol) in EtOAc (5 mL) was added HCl-EtOAc (5 mL). Thereaction mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was dissolved inDCM (10 mL), washed with sat. aq K₂CO₃, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure to give methyl1-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-((2-(trifluoromethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(42 mg, 53%) as yellow oil. MS(ES+): 401.0 (M+H).

Step 4

To a solution of methyl1-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-((2-(trifluoromethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(90 mg, 0.22 mmol) in PhCH₃ (2 mL) was added2-chloro-6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridine (61.2 mg, 0.225 mmol),Pd₂(dba)₃ (20.6 mg, 0.1 mmol), BINAP (28 mg, 0.045 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (220mg, 0.674 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 16 h.The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and thecrude product purified by preparative TLC (33% EtOAc/PE) to give theracemic product as a yellow oil. The racematic mixture was separated bypreparative chiral SFC (Column: Whelk-01 250×30 mm×10 μm; Mobile phase:45% isopropanol (1% NH₄OH)/CO₂ Flow rate: 50 mL/min) to deliver theseparated enantiomers of methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate:Enantiomer 1: (28 mg, 20%); retention time (15.98 min); Enantiomer 2:(33 mg, 23%); retention time (20.92 min).

Step 5

To a solution of Step 4 Enantiomer 1 (28 mg, 0.044 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL)was added 2 M NaOH (1 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 50° C.for 2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and acidified with 1 MHCl to pH ˜4. The reaction mixture was extracted by EtOAc (3×10 mL),dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct was purified by preparative HPLC (Column: Waters Xbridge PrepOBD C18 150×30 mm×5 μm; Mobile phase: from 55% MeOH in water [0.1% TFA]to 75% MeOH in water [0.1% TFA]; 10 min gradient; Wavelength: 220 nm;Flow rate: 25 ml/min) to deliver Example 12A-01 (12.2 mg, 37%) as asolid. Due to the purification solvent, the compound was likely isolatedas the trifluoroacetate salt. Analytical LC-MS data: Xtimate C18 5×30mm, 3 μm; Mobile phase: 1% MeCN in water (0.1% TFA) to 5% MeCN in water(0.1% TFA) in 1 min; then from 5% MeCN in water (0.1% TFA) to 100% MeCN(0.1% TFA) in 5 min; hold at 100% MeCN (0.1% TFA) for 2 min; back to1.0% MeCN in water (0.1% TFA) at 8.01 min, and hold 2 min. Flow rate:1.2 ml/min; Retention time 4.465 min, MS(ES+): 622.2 (M+H).

Example 12A-02 was prepared in a similar manner from Step 4, Enantiomer2 (33 mg, 0.052 mmol) and purified using the same preparative HPLCmethod to deliver Example 12A-02 (9.8 mg, 28%) as a solid. Due to thepurification solvent, the compound was likely isolated as thetrifluoroacetate salt. Analytical LC-MS data: Retention time 4.469 min,MS(ES+): 622.2 (M+H).

The compounds listed in Table 7 below were prepared using proceduresanalogous to those described above for the synthesis of Examples 12A-01and 12A-02 using the appropriate starting materials which are availablecommercially, prepared using preparations well-known to those skilled inthe art, or prepared in a manner analogous to routes described above forother intermediates. The compounds were purified using methods wellknown to those skilled in the art and may include silica gelchromatography, HPLC, or crystallization from the reaction mixture. Thefinal compounds may have been isolated as neutrals or acid or basesalts.

TABLE 7 Ex. # Name NMR data/LC-MS data 12A-03 2-[(7-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CD₃CN) δ 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.20fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}- (dd, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.49 (m, 2H),7.24 (m, 2H), 4,7-diazaspiro[2.5]oct-4- 6.29 (d, 1H), 6.15 (d, 1H), 5.37(s, 2H), 4.60 (m, yl)methyl]-1-(2-methoxyethyl)- 4H), 3.77 (m, 2H),3.71-3.42 (m, 4H), 3.28 (s, 3H), 1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 3.12 (t,2H), 0.87 (d, 2H), 0.67 (t, 2H). MS(ES+): acid 580.0 (M + H). 12A-042-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.43 (d, 1H), 8.13fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.53 (t, 1H),7.45 (t, 1H), cyclopropylpiperazin-1- 7.15-7.25 (m, 2H), 6.41 (d, 1H),6.23 (d, 1H), 5.38 yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)- (d, 2H), 5.29 (d, 1H),4.64-4.80 (m, 2H), 4.53 (d, 1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 1H), 4.32 (d,1H), 4.11 (d, 1H), 3.79 (t, 2H), 3.54 acid (d, 1H), 3.36-3.49 (m, 2H),3.08 (t, 1H), 2.61 (br s, 1H), 0.98-1.10 (m, 1H), 0.73-0.89 (m, 2H),0.57- 0.72 (m, 1H), 0.37-0.50 (m, 1H). MS(ES+): 594.0 (M + H). 12A-052-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.44 (d, 1H), 8.15fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- (dd, 1H), 7.84 (d, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H),7.45 (m, 1H), (propan-2-yl)piperazin-1- 7.27-7.15 (m, 2H), 6.40 (d, 1H),6.24 (d, 1H), yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)- 5.46-5.35 (m, 2H), 4.99 (m,1H), 4.71 (m, 2H), 1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 4.51 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m,1H), 4.06 (m, 1H), 3.80 (m, acid 2H), 3.48-3.37 (m, 3H), 3.31 (s, 3H),3.17 (d, 2H), 2.41-2.28 (m, 1H), 1.16 (d, 3H), 1.09 (d, 3H). MS(ES+):596.3 (M + H). 12A-06 2-[(4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.46 (d, 1H), 8.17 fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}- (dd, 1H), 7.86 (d,1H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.18 (m, 2,2-dimethylpiperazin-1- 2H), 6.40 (d,1H), 6.20 (d, 1H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 4.72 yl)methyl]-1-(2-methoxyethyl)- (m,2H), 4.62 (m, 2H), 3.87-3.62 (m, 6H), 1.41 (s,1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic 6H). MS(ES+): 582.3 (M + H). acid 12A-072-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.11fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- (dd, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.53 (t, 1H),7.44 (t, 1H), ethylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(2- 7.14-7.25 (m, 2H), 6.41(d, 1H), 6.23 (d, 1H), 5.38 methoxyethyl)-1H- (s, 2H), 4.56-4.74 (m,3H), 4.07 (d, 1H), 3.91 (d, benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 1H), 3.78(t, 2H), 3.49-3.73 (m, 3H), 3.37 (brs, 1H), 1.93 (br s, 1H), 1.71-1.84(m, 1H), 1.08 (t, 3H). MS(ES+): 582.1 (M + H). 12A-08 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.42 (d, 1H), 8.12cyanobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.71 (d, 2H),7.62-7.51 (m, methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- 3H), 6.42 (d, 1H), 6.29(d, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 4.68 (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- (q, 2H), 4.53 (m, 1H),4.07 (m, 2H), 3.79 (m, 2H), benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 3.30 (s,3H), 3.18 (m, 1H), 1.40 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): 541.0 (M + H). 12A-092-{[(2R)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.41 (s, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H),fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.51 (t, 1H), 7.45 (t,1H), 7.13-7.25 (hydroxymethyl)piperazin-l- (m, 2H), 6.39 (d, 1H), 6.20(d, 1H), 5.36 (s, 2H), yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)- 5.02 (d, 2H),4.66-4.81 (m, 2H), 4.49 (d, 1H), 4.20 1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylic (d,1H), 4.10 (d, 1H), 4.00 (d, 1H), 3.69-3.92 (m, acid 4H), 3.38 (br s,2H), 3.09-3.26 (m, 2H), 1.32 (t, 2H). MS(ES+): 584.2 (M + H). 12A-102-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- Column: AD-H 4.6 × 100 mm, 5 μm; Mobilephase fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- A: CO₂; Mobile phase B: Methanolwith 0.2% methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1- NH₄OH; 60:40 A/B Hold for 5min, Column Temp: (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- 40° C., Back Pressure: 120 Bar,Flow: 1.5 mL/min. benzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid Retention time: 3.035.MS(ES+): 568.3 (M + H). 12A-11 2-{[(2R)-4-{6-[(4-chloro-2- Column: AD-H4.6 × 100 mm, 5 μm; Mobile phase fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2- A:CO₂; Mobile phase B: Methanol with 0.2% methylpiperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1-NH₄OH; 60:40 A/B Hold for 5 min, Column Temp: (2-methoxyethyl)-1H- 40°C., Back Pressure: 120 Bar, Flow: 1.5 mL/min. benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid Retention time: 3.035. MS(ES+): 568.3 (M + H).

Examples 13A-01 and 13A-02 trans2-{[4-{6-[(4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid, enantiomers 1 and 2 Examples 13A-03 and 13A-04 cis2-{[4-{6-[(4-Chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2-yl}-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylicacid, enantiomers 1 and 2 Step 1

A mixture of2-[(4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]-6-(2-methylpiperidin-4-yl)pyridine (350mg, 0.86 mmol) [prepared as a mixture of stereoisomers via a routesimilar to that used for Intermediate 3], Intermediate 19 (220 mg, 0.78mmol) and K₂CO₃ (540 mg, 3.9 mmol) in MeCN (6 mL) was stirred at 60° C.for 16 h. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified using column chromatographyeluting with EtOAc/PE (1:1) to obtain methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylate(250 mg, 55%, yellow oil) as a mixture of four stereoisomers. Themixture of stereoisomers was separated by SFC on a chiral column usingcondition 1 below to afford clean peaks 1, 3 and 4, along with peak 2that was not pure. Peak 2 was repurified by SFC using condition 2. Theretention times indicated refer to SFC condition 1. The relativestereochemistry was assigned by 2D NMR. The absolute configuration ofeach isomer was not assigned.

Peak 1 (retention time 5.6 min): trans methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateenantiomer 1.

Peak 2 (retention time 5.8 min): trans methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateenantiomer 2.

Peak 3 (retention time 6.4 min): cis methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateenantiomer 1.

Peak 4 (retention time 6.9 min): cis methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateenantiomer 2.

SFC condition 1: Column: AD (250 mm×30 mm, 5 μm); Mobile phase: CO₂w/35% EtOH (0.1% NH₄OH); Flow rate: 70 ml/min; Wavelength: 220 nm.

SFC condition 2: Column: AD (250 mm×30 mm, 5 μm); Mobile phase: CO₂w/40% iPrOH (0.1% NH₄OH); Flow rate: 60 ml/min; Wavelength: 220 nm

Step 2

The methyl esters from Step 1 were converted to the free acids bytreatment with NaOH in MeOH as described previously to afford the fourtitle examples.

Example 13A-01 (from trans methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateenantiomer 1): ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ: 8.32 (d, 1H), 8.01 (dd, 1H),7.77 (d, 1H), 7.68 (dd, 1H), 7.49 (t, 1H), 7.17-7.31 (m, 2H), 6.97 (d,1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 5.37-5.50 (m, 2H), 4.75-4.86 (m, 2H), 4.62 (t, 2H),4.19 (br s, 1H), 3.76 (t, 2H), 3.66 (d, 1H), 2.49 (ddd, 1H), 2.30 (m,1H), 2.16-2.24 (m, 1H), 2.10 (dt, 1H), 1.62 (d, 2H); LC-MS(ES+): 567.1(M+H).

Example 13A-02 (from trans methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateenantiomer 2): ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.31 (d, 1H), 8.00 (dd, 1H),7.76 (d, 1H), 7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.48 (t, 1H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 6.96 (d, 1H),6.75 (d, 1H), 5.47-5.38 (m, 2H), 4.80 (m, 1H), 4.61 (m, 2H), 4.18 (m,1H), 3.80-3.59 (m, 3H), 2.48 (m, 1H), 2.29 (m, 1H), 2.19 (m, 1H), 2.09(m, 1H), 1.61 (d, 3H); LC-MS(ES+): 567.1 (M+H).

Example 13A-03 (from cis methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateenantiomer 1): ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.34 (d, 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H),7.81 (d, 1H), 7.73-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 6.94 (d,1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 5.12 (d, 1H), 4.77 (d, 1H), 4.64 (m,2H), 4.01-3.82 (m, 2H), 3.78 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.42 (m, 1H), 3.15 (m, 1H),2.35-2.05 (m, 4H), 1.57 (d, 3H); LC-MS(ES+): 567.1 (M+H).

Example 13A-04 (from cis methyl2-((4-(6-((4-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)pyridin-2-yl)-2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylateenantiomer 2): ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.34 (d, 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H),7.81 (d, 1H), 7.70-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, 1H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 6.94 (d,1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 5.12 (d, 1H), 4.77 (d, 1H), 4.64 (t,2H), 3.99-3.83 (m, 2H), 3.78 (t, 2H), 3.52-3.42 (m, 1H), 3.19-3.09 (m,1H), 2.31-2.05 (m, 4H), 1.57 (d, 3H); LC-MS(ES+): 567.1 (M+H).

The methyl esters of the compounds listed in Table 8 below were preparedusing procedures analogous to those described above for the synthesis ofExamples 10A-01 using racemic 2-aminomethyltetrahydrofuran or3-aminomethyltetrahydrofuran and other appropriate starting materialswhich are available commercially, prepared using preparations well-knownto those skilled in the art, or prepared in a manner analogous to routesdescribed above for other intermediates. The THF stereoisomers wereseparated by SFC to give the ester intermediates as singlestereoisomers. The methyl esters were then hydrolyzed as described forexample 10A-01 to provide the compounds listed in Table 8. Retentiontimes and chromatography methods for the methyl ester intermediates areshown in the table. The stereochemistry of the THF stereocenter in eachcompound was not assigned.

TABLE 8 *Ret. time Ex. # Name *Method (min) NMR data/LC-MS data 14A-012-[(4-{6-[(4- A 0.65 ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (d, cyanobenzyl)oxy]1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.77- pyridin-2- 7.73 (m, 2H), 7.69(dd, 1H), 7.66-7.60 (m, yl}piperidin-1- 2H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 6.80 (d, 1H),5.53 (s, yl)methyl]-1- 2H), 4.87-4.78 (m, 2H), 4.70 (dd, 1H),(tetrahydrofuran-2- 4.44 (dd, 1H), 4.24 (m, 1H), 3.93 (m, 2H),ylmethyl)-1H- 3.76 (m, 1H), 3.43 (m, 3H), 3.12-3.02 (m, benzimidazole-6-1H), 2.30-2.13 (m, 5H), 2.02-1.86 (m, carboxylic acid, 2H), 1.69 (m,1H).MS(ES+): 552.1 (M + H). enantiomer 1 14A-02 2-[(4-{6-[(4- A 1.4 ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.34 (d, cyanobenzyl)oxy] 1H), 8.03 (dd, 1H), 7.80(d, 1H), 7.73 (d, pyridin-2- 2H), 7.64-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.61 (d, 2H), 6.93yl}piperidin-1- (d, 1H), 6.78 (d, 1H), 5.51 (s, 2H), 4.82 yl)methyl]-1-(d, 2H), 4.68 (dd, 1H), 4.42 (dd, 1H), (tetrahydrofuran-2- 4.17-4.27 (m,1H), 3.83-3.97 (m, 3H), ylmethyl)-1H- 3.70-3.81 (m, 1H), 3.35-3.45 (m,2H), benzimidazole-6- 2.98-3.11 (m, 1H), 2.13-2.28 (m, 5H), carboxylicacid, 1.87-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.74 (m, 1H). enantiomer 2 MS(ES+): 552.1(M + H). 14A-03 2-[(4-{6-[(4- B 8.1 ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (d,cyanobenzyl)oxy]- 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.80-5-fluoropyridin-2- 7.73 (m, 2H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.51 (dd, 1H),yl}piperidin-1- 6.95 (dd, 1H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.86-4.78 (m, yl)methyl]-1-2H), 4.70 (dd, 1H), 4.44 (dd, 1H), 4.31- (tetrahydrofuran-2- 4.17 (m,1H), 3.93 (m, 3H), 3.76 (m, 1H), ylmethyl)-1H- 3.41 (s, 2H), 3.06 (d,1H), 2.32-2.09 (m, benzimidazole-6- 5H), 1.94 (m, 2H), 1.69 (m, 1H).carboxylic acid, MS(ES+): 570.2 (M + H). enantiomer 1 14A-042-[(4-{6-[(4- B 11.4 ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (d,cyanobenzyl)oxy]- 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.79-5-fluoropyridin-2- 7.73 (m, 2H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.51 (dd, 1H),yl}piperidin-1- 6.95 (dd, 1H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.86-4.77 (m, yl)methyl]-1-2H), 4.70 (dd, 1H), 4.44 (dd, 1H), 4.24 (tetrahydrofuran-2- (m, 1H),3.93 (m, 2H), 3.76 (m, 1H), 3.40 ylmethyl)-1H- (m, 3H), 3.05 (m, 1H),2.29-2.12 (m, 5H), benzimidazole-6- 1.94 (m, 2H), 1.69 (m, 1H). MS(ES+):carboxylic acid, 570.2 (M + H). enantiomer 2 14A-05 2-[(4-{6-[(4- C 25.0¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.35 (d, cyanobenzyl)oxy]- 1H), 8.04 (dd, 1H),7.81 (d, 1H), 7.78- 5-fluoropyridin-2- 7.72 (m, 2H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.49(dd, 1H), yl}piperidin-1- 6.94 (dd, 1H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.82 (s, 2H),yl)methyl]-1- 4.43-4.29 (m, 2H), 4.05 (m, 1H), 3.94 (m,(tetrahydrofuran-3- 2H), 3.79 (m, 1H), 3.67 (m, 1H), 3.53 (m,ylmethyl)-1H- 1H), 3.38 (m, 2H), 3.09-2.83 (m, 2H), benzimidazole-6-2.19 (m, 4H), 2.09 (m, 1H), 1.78 (m, 1H). carboxylic acid, MS(ES+):570.1 (M + H). enantiomer 1 14A-06 2-[(4-{6-[(4- C 29.2 ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.37 (s, cyanobenzyl)oxy]- 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H),7.77 (d, 5-fluoropyridin-2- 2H), 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.50 (dd, 1H), 6.95 (dd,yl}piperidin-1- 1H), 5.61 (s, 2H), 4.83 (s, 2H), 4.46-4.28 yl)methyl]-1-(m, 2H), 4.07 (m, 1H), 4.02-3.89 (m, 2H), (tetrahydrofuran-3- 3.81 (m,1H), 3.69 (dd, 1H), 3.55 (m, 1H), ylmethyl)-1H- 3.39 (m, 2H), 3.11-2.98(m, 1H), 2.92 (s, benzimidazole-6- 1H), 2.30-2.06 (m, 5H), 1.80 (m, 1H).carboxylic acid, MS(ES+): 570.2 (M + H). enantiomer 2 14A-072-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4- D 8.7 ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.40 (d,cyanobenzyl)oxy] 1H), 8.09 (dd, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.72-pyridin-2-yl}-2- 7.66 (m, 2H), 7.55 (dd, 3H), 6.40 (d, 1H),methylpiperazin-1- 6.27 (d, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.72 (dd, 1H),yl]methyl}-1- 4.53 (d, 1H), 4.43 (dd, 1H), 4.25 (m, 1H),(tetrahydrofuran-2- 4.04 (m, 2H), 3.89 (m, 1H), 3.50 (m, 3H),ylmethyl)-1H- 3.16 (m, 1H), 2.23 (m, 1H), 2.01-1.89 (m, benzimidazole-6-2H), 1.69 (m, 1H), 1.39 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): carboxylic acid, 567.1 (M +H). diastereomer 1 14A-08 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4- D 14.8 ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CD₃OD) δ 8.40 (s, cyanobenzyl)oxy] 1H), 8.06-8.12 (m, 1H), 7.79 (d, 1H),7.68 pyridin-2-yl}-2- (d, 2H), 7.57 (d, 2H), 7.53 (t, 1H), 6.39 (d,methylpiperazin-1- 1H), 6.26 (d, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.67 (dd,yl]methyl}-1- 1H), 4.43-4.55 (m, 2H), 4.21-4.32 (m, (tetrahydrofuran-2-1H), 3.94-4.12 (m, 2H), 3.84-3.93 (m, ylmethyl)-1H- 1H), 3.73 (q, 1H),3.43 (br s, 3H), 3.12 (br benzimidazole-6- s, 1H), 2.22 (dq, 1H),1.88-2.00 (m, 2H), carboxylic acid, 1.69 (dq, 1H), 1.39 (d, 3H).MS(ES+): diastereomer 2 567.1 (M + H). 14A-09 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano- E 5.25¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.37 (d, 2- 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H),7.78- fluorobenzyl)oxy] 7.66 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.58 (m, 2H), 6.97 (d,pyridin-2- 1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 4.83 (s, yl}piperidin-1-2H), 4.45-4.31 (m, 2H), 4.07 (m, 1H), yl)methyl]-1- 3.96 (d, 2H), 3.81(m, 1H), 3.69 (dd, 1H), (tetrahydrofuran-3- 3.55 (dd, 1H), 3.41 (m, 2H),3.07 (m, 1H), ylmethyl)-1H- 2.94 (m, 1H), 2.35-2.16 (m, 4H), 2.16-benzimidazole-6- 2.05 (m, 1H), 1.80 (m, 1H). MS(ES+): carboxylic acid,570.2 (M + H). enantiomer 1 14A-10 2-[(4-{6-[(4-cyano- E 6.0 ¹H NMR (400MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.37 (d, 2- 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.71 (m,fluorobenzyl)oxy] 2H), 7.66-7.55 (m, 2H), 6.97 (d, 1H), 6.81 pyridin-2-(d, 1H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 4.83 (s, 2H), 4.45- yl}piperidin-1- 4.30 (m, 2H),4.07 (m, 1H), 3.96 (m, 2H), yl)methyl]-1- 3.81 (m, 1H), 3.69 (m, 1H),3.55 (m, 1H), (tetrahydrofuran-3- 3.40 (m, 2H), 3.06 (d, 1H), 2.92 (d,1H), ylmethyl)-1H- 2.34-2.16 (m, 4H), 2.15-2.04 (m, 1H),benzimidazole-6- 1.80 (m, 1H). MS(ES+): 570.2 (M + H) carboxylic acid,enantiomer 2 14A-11 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4- F 6.8 ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ8.43 (d, cyano-2- 1H), 8.12 (dd, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.65 (t,fluorobenzyl)oxy] 1H), 7.61-7.49 (m, 3H), 6.43 (d, 1H), 6.28pyridin-2-yl}-2- (d, 1H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 4.63-methylpiperazin-1- 4.43 (m, 2H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 4.07 (m, 2H),yl]methyl}-1- 3.90 (m, 1H), 3.75 (m, 1H), 3.51 (m, 3H),(tetrahydrofuran-2- 3.22 (m, 1H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.03-1.88 (m,ylmethyl)-1H- 2H), 1.71 (m, 1H), 1.43 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): benzimidazole-6-585.1 (M + H) carboxylic acid, diastereomer 1 14A-12 2-{[(2S)-4-{6-[(4-F 8.4 ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (d, cyano-2- 1H), 8.04 (dd, 1H),7.74 (d, 1H), 7.64 (m, fluorobenzyl)oxy] 1H), 7.60-7.42 (m, 3H), 6.35(d, 1H), 6.21 pyridin-2-yl}-2- (d, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.77 (dd, 1H),4.67 methylpiperazin-1- (d, 1H), 4.49 (m,1H), 4.33 (m, 1H), 4.11yl]methyl}-1- (d, 1H), 4.01-3.82 (m, 3H), 3.75 (m, 1H),(tetrahydrofuran-2- 3.30-3.23 (m, 1H), 3.18-2.99 (m, 3H), ylmethyl)-1H-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.19 (m, 1H), 2.00-1.86 (m, benzimidazole-6- 2H), 1.71 (m,1H), 1.31 (d, 3H). MS(ES+): carboxylic acid, 585.1 (M + H) diastereomer2 *Separation methods and retention times for the methyl esters ofexamples: Method A: Preparative method: Column: AD (250 mm × 30 mm, 10μm); Mobile phase: CO₂ w/50% MeOH (0.1% NH₄OH); Flow rate: 80 ml/min;Wavelength: 220 nm. Analytical method: Column: AD (50 mm × 4.6 mm, 3μm); Mobile phase as CO₂ w/40% EtOH (0.05% NHEt₂); Flow rate: 4 ml/min;Wavelength: 220 nm Method B: Column: AD (250 mm × 30 mm, 10 μm); Mobilephase: CO₂ w/40% MeOH (0.1% NH₄OH); Flow rate: 80 ml/min; Wavelength:220 nm Method C: Column: IC (250 mm × 30 mm, 10 μm); Mobile phase: CO₂w/50% MeOH (0.1% NH₄OH); Flow rate: 80 ml/min; Wavelength: 220 nm MethodD: Column: AD (250 mm × 30 mm, 10 μm); Mobile phase: CO₂ w/50% MeOH(0.1% NH₄OH); Flow rate: 80 ml/min; Wavelength: 220 nm Method E: Column:OD (250 mm × 30 mm, 10 μm); Mobile phase: CO₂ w/45% EtOH (0.1% NH₄OH);Flow rate: 70 ml/min; Wavelength: 220 nm Method F: Column: OJ (250 mm ×30 mm, 10 μm); Mobile phase: CO₂ w/30% EtOH (0.1 NH₄OH); Flow rate: 80ml/min; Wavelength: 220 nm

CHO GLP-1R Clone H6—Assay 1

GLP-1R-mediated agonist activity was determined with a cell-basedfunctional assay utilizing an HTRF (Homogeneous Time-ResolvedFluorescence) cAMP detection kit (cAMP HI Range Assay Kit; CisBio cat#62AM6PEJ) that measures cAMP levels in the cell. The method is acompetitive immunoassay between native cAMP produced by the cells andexogenous cAMP labeled with the dye d2. The tracer binding is visualizedby a mAb anti-cAMP labeled with Cryptate. The specific signal (i.e.energy transfer) is inversely proportional to the concentration of cAMPin either standard or experimental sample.

The human GLP-1R coding sequence (NCBI Reference Sequence NP_002053.3,including naturally-occurring variant Gly168Ser) was subcloned intopcDNA3 (Invitrogen) and a cell line stably expressing the receptor wasisolated (designated Clone H6). Saturation binding analyses (filtrationassay procedure) using ¹²⁵I-GLP-1₇₋₃₆ (Perkin Elmer) showed that plasmamembranes derived from this cell line express a high GLP-1R density(K_(d): 0.4 nM, B_(max): 1900 fmol/mg protein).

Cells were removed from cryopreservation, re-suspended in 40 mL ofDulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline (DPBS—Lonza Cat #17-512Q) andcentrifuged at 800×g for 5 min at 22° C. The cell pellet was thenre-suspended in 10 mL of growth medium [DMEM/F12 1:1 Mixture with HEPES,L-Gln, 500 mL (DMEM/F12 Lonza Cat #12-719F), 10% heat inactivated fetalbovine serum (Gibco Cat #16140-071), 5 mL of 100× Pen-Strep (Gibco Cat#15140-122), 5 mL of 100× L-Glutamine (Gibco Cat #25030-081) and 500μg/mL Geneticin (G418) (Invitrogen #10131035)]. A 1 mL sample of thecell suspension in growth media was counted on a Becton Dickinson ViCellto determine cell viability and cell count per mL. The remaining cellsuspension was then adjusted with growth media to deliver 2000 viablecells per well using a Matrix Combi Multidrop reagent dispenser, and thecells were dispensed into a white 384 well tissue culture treated assayplate (Corning 3570). The assay plate was then incubated for 48 hours at37° C. in a humidified environment in 5% carbon dioxide.

Varying concentrations of each compound to be tested (in DMSO) werediluted in assay buffer (HBSS with Calcium/Magnesium (Lonza/BioWhittakercat #10-527F)/0.1% BSA (Sigma Aldrich cat #A7409-1L)/20 mM HEPES(Lonza/BioWhittaker cat #17-737E) containing 100 μM3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthin (IBMX; Sigma cat #15879). The final DMSOconcentration is 1%.

After 48 hours, the growth media was removed from the assay plate wells,and the cells were treated with 20 μL of the serially diluted compoundin assay buffer for 30 minutes at 37° C. in a humidified environment in5% carbon dioxide. Following the 30 minute incubation, 10 μL of labeledd2 cAMP and 10 μL of anti-cAMP antibody (both diluted 1:20 in cell lysisbuffer; as described in the manufacturer's assay protocol) were added toeach well of the assay plate. The plates were then incubated at roomtemperature and after 60 minutes, changes in the HTRF signal were readwith an Envision 2104 multi-label plate reader using excitation of 330nm and emissions of 615 and 665 nm. Raw data were converted to nM cAMPby interpolation from a cAMP standard curve (as described in themanufacturer's assay protocol) and the percent effect was determinedrelative to a saturating concentration of the full agonist GLP-1₇₋₃₆ (1μM) included on each plate. EC₅₀ determinations were made from agonistdose-response curves analyzed with a curve fitting program using a4-parameter logistic dose response equation.

CHO GLP-1R Clone C6—Assay 2

GLP-1R-mediated agonist activity was determined with a cell-basedfunctional assay utilizing an HTRF (Homogeneous Time-ResolvedFluorescence) cAMP detection kit (cAMP HI Range Assay Kit; Cis Bio cat#62AM6PEJ) that measures cAMP levels in the cell. The method is acompetitive immunoassay between native cAMP produced by the cells andexogenous cAMP labeled with the dye d2. The tracer binding is visualizedby a mAb ant-cAMP labeled with Cryptate. The specific signal (i.e.energy transfer) is inversely proportional to the concentration of cAMPin either a standard or an experimental sample.

The human GLP-1R coding sequence (NCBI Reference Sequence NP_002053.3,including naturally-occurring variant Leu260Phe) was subcloned intopcDNA5-FRT-TO and a clonal CHO cell line stably expressing a lowreceptor density was isolated using the Flp-In™ T-Rex™ System, asdescribed by the manufacturer (ThermoFisher). Saturation bindinganalyses (filtration assay procedure) using ¹²⁵I-GLP-1 (Perkin Elmer)showed that plasma membranes derived from this cell line (designatedclone C6) express a low GLP-1R density (K_(d): 0.3 nM, B_(max): 240fmol/mg protein), relative to the clone H6 cell line.

Cells were removed from cryopreservation, re-suspended in 40 mL ofDulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline (DPBS—Lonza Cat #17-512Q) andcentrifuged at 800×g for 5 min at 22° C. The DPBS was aspirated, and thecell pellet was re-suspended in 10 mL of complete growth medium(DMEM:F12 1:1 Mixture with HEPES, L-Gln, 500 mL (DMEM/F12 Lonza Cat#12-719F), 10% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum (Gibco Cat#16140-071), 5 mL of 100× Pen-Strep (Gibco Cat #15140-122), 5 mL of 100×L-Glutamine (Gibco Cat #25030-081), 700 μg/mL Hygromycin (Invitrogen Cat#10687010) and 15 μg/mL Blasticidin (Gibco Cat #R21001). A 1 mL sampleof the cell suspension in growth media was counted on a Becton DickinsonViCell to determine cell viability and cell count per mL. The remainingcell suspension was then adjusted with growth media to deliver 1600viable cells per well using a Matrix Combi Multidrop reagent dispenser,and the cells were dispensed into a white 384 well tissue culturetreated assay plate (Corning 3570). The assay plate was then incubatedfor 48 h at 37° C. in a humidified environment (95% O₂, 5% CO₂)

Varying concentrations of each compound to be tested (in DMSO) werediluted in assay buffer [HBSS with Calcium/Magnesium (Lonza/BioWhittakercat #10-527F)/0.1% BSA (Sigma Aldrich cat #A7409-1L)/20 mM HEPES(Lonza/BioWhittaker cat #17-737E)] containing 100 μM3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthin (IBMX; Sigma cat #15879). The final DMSOconcentration in the compound/assay buffer mixture is 1%.

After 48 h, the growth media was removed from the assay plate wells, andthe cells were treated with 20 μL of the serially diluted compound inassay buffer for 30 min at 37° C. in a humidified environment (95% O₂,5% CO₂). Following the 30 min incubation, 10 μL of labeled d2 cAMP and10 μL of anti-cAMP antibody (both diluted 1:20 in cell lysis buffer; asdescribed in the manufacturer's assay protocol) were added to each wellof the assay plate. The plates were then incubated at room temperatureand after 60 minutes, changes in the HTRF signal were read with anEnvision 2104 multi-label plate reader using excitation of 330 nm andemissions of 615 and 665 nm. Raw data were converted to nM cAMP byinterpolation from a cAMP standard curve (as described in themanufacturer's assay protocol) and the percent effect was determinedrelative to a saturating concentration of the full agonist GLP-1 (1 μM)included on each plate. EC₅₀ determinations were made from agonist doseresponse curves analyzed with a curve fitting program using a4-parameter logistic dose response equation.

In Table 9, assay data are presented to two (2) significant figures asthe geometric mean (EC₅₀s) and arithmetic mean (Emax) based on thenumber of replicates listed (Number). A blank cell means there was nodata for that Example or the Emax was not calculated.

TABLE 9 Assay 1 Assay 1 Assay 2 Assay 2 Example EC₅₀ Emax Assay 1 EC₅₀Emax Assay 2 number (nM) (%) Number (nM) (%) Number  1A-01 81 77 5 91094 4  1A-02 16 85 6 320 88 11  1A-03 4.3 83 3 92 83 3  1A-04 21 79 3 35082 3  1A-05 42 75 3 530 67 3  1A-06 29 84 3 350 70 3  1A-07 3.9 82 4 4582 5  1A-08 7.1 81 3 120 85 3  1A-09 0.95 92 1 17 120 3  1A-10 930 86 39000 100 3  1A-11 19 76 3 530 97 3  1A-12 750 76 3  1A-13 210 66 3 1A-14 47 71 3 1600 81 3  1A-15 >20000 1  1A-16 1.5 86 3 14 82 3  1A-172.4 87 3 45 95 3  1A-18 6.4 90 4 110 94 3  1A-19 0.28 84 5 3.2 84 4 1A-20 44 81 3 880 90 3  1A-21 4.9 77 7 75 83 3  1A-22 36 78 3 400 86 3 1A-23 50 83 3 1000 98 3  1A-24 >11000 84 3  1A-25 45 65 3 1000 84 3 1A-26 70 80 3 1800 85 3  1A-27 190 91 3 1400 47 3  1A-28 300 92 3 7700100 3  1A-29 260 88 3 5600 86 3  1A-30 150 86 3 4100 110 3  2A-01 90 7655 1800 89 43  2A-02 7.9 95 5 110 89 7  2A-03 150 74 3 1200 44 5  2A-0436 84 6 150 92 3  2A-05 6 73 3 150 84 3  2A-06 9 82 3 170 85 3  2A-07140 72 3 1600 46 3  2A-08 5.8 72 3 94 76 4  2A-09 120 76 4 2200 83 3 2A-10 43 82 3 680 110 4  2A-11 210 79 3  2A-12 340 74 3  2A-13 770 783 >15000 100 3  2A-14 110 71 3 3000 92 3  2A-15 22 87 3 280 91 3  2A-16370 75 3  2A-17 24 76 5 1200 94 8  2A-18 6 80 3 78 88 3  2A-19 7.9 80 5150 100 3  2A-20 0.96 80 5 14 95 2  2A-21 8.5 88 3 220 110 3  2A-22 1472 4 190 83 3  2A-23 0.5 73 3 22 96 6  3A-01 0.94 83 15 12 98 21  4A-011.1 79 5 13 100 18  5A-01 0.34 78 6 7.4 94 6  6A-01 0.76 88 9 8.8 100 15 7A-01 3.2 84 7 55 86 11  8A-01 100 99 3 1100 90 3  8A-02 150 80 3 8A-03 18 84 3 350 77 3  8A-04 120 79 3 1700 88 3  9A-01 1200 78 3 9A-02 79 81 3 4000 75 3  9A-03 200 79 3  9A-04 2900 89 3  9A-05 2700 853  9A-06 870 82 3  9A-07 170 78 8 2100 71 3  9A-08 2400 87 3  9A-09 88059 3  9A-10 4500 48 4  9A-11 1600 83 3  9A-12 >17000 100 3  9A-13 170 683  9A-14 1800 93 3  9A-15 180 78 8 3500 90 3 10A-01 3.2 77 3 43 84 310A-02 0.34 89 5 2.2 97 5 10A-03 1700 82 3 10A-04 49 71 3 2100 90 310A-05 2.4 71 4 38 83 3 10A-06 68 77 3 1700 110 3 10A-07 2.8 82 3 68 813 10A-08 0.55 77 4 9.2 94 6 10A-09 0.99 95 4 10 120 7 10A-10 0.3 84 44.1 100 2 10A-11 75 69 3 10A-12 110 68 3 4400 110 3 10A-13 4.1 67 3 17075 3 10A-14 8.1 74 3 220 93 4 10A-15 1.3 72 4 27 87 3 10A-16 1.7 67 3 4583 3 10A-17 1.8 77 3 59 85 3 10A-18 1.6 78 7 33 78 3 10A-19 >19000 100 310A-20 >15000 98 3 >20000 1 10A-21 18 88 3 400 100 3 10A-22 5.7 67 3 10079 3 10A-23 38 76 3 760 91 3 10A-24 5.7 78 3 130 94 3 10A-25 1.7 82 3 4199 3 10A-26 7 59 3 190 80 3 10A-27 13 75 3 250 80 3 10A-27 50 81 3 87083 3 10A-28 190 71 3 10A-29 390 82 3 10A-30 550 71 3 10A-31 3.4 73 3 5989 3 10A-32 0.47 77 5 5 94 6 10A-33 1.5 73 3 24 91 3 10A-34 1.5 80 7 2995 5 10A-35 0.3 93 5 3.8 93 6 10A-36 0.33 82 3 13 110 7 10A-37 3.4 86 623 110 7 10A-38 130 72 3 10A-39 170 69 3 10A-40 1200 53 3 10A-41 12 75 4140 82 3 10A-42 2.7 73 4 29 74 5 10A-43 4 64 3 48 79 3 10A-44 6 73 3 9981 3 10A-45 1 76 3 19 75 3 10A-46 1700 80 3 10A-47 0.3 80 3 4.4 95 610A-48 8.6 64 3 140 76 3 10A-49 0.56 73 6 9.6 84 3 10A-50 290 64 310A-51 390 72 3 10A-52 1300 79 3 10A-53 3.2 68 3 39 88 3 10A-54 0.71 815 11 100 6 10A-55 1.2 84 5 24 98 5 10A-56 0.5 78 3 16 86 5 10A-57 9.4 693 160 71 3 10A-58 0.52 70 4 8.5 78 4 10A-59 4.7 71 3 84 83 4 10A-60 3181 3 460 66 3 10A-61 1.5 74 6 35 89 3 10A-62 2.9 96 4 28 97 3 10A-630.58 86 3 11 110 5 10A-64 2 82 3 32 79 3 10A-65 1.6 84 6 35 78 3 10A-660.39 84 4 3.4 100 4 10A-67 0.59 83 5 6.8 93 5 10A-68 140 76 4 10A-69 284 3 20 87 3 10A-70 5 65 1 72 87 1 10A-71 190 62 3 5800 85 4 10A-72 3.479 4 53 68 5 10A-73 8.6 78 5 88 82 5 10A-74 0.9 94 3 9.7 100 3 10A-750.95 95 4 13 91 5 10A-76 2.9 79 4 51 95 3 10A-77 0.96 100 2 10 120 310A-78 1.6 83 6 28 88 4 10A-79 33 80 3 670 110 3 11A-01 >10000 85 311A-02 >15000 100 3 11A-03 >16000 100 3 11A-04 >19000 100 311A-05 >20000 1 11A-06 >20000 1 11A-07 >20000 1 11A-08 >20000 111A-09 >20000 1 11A-10 >20000 1 11A-11 >20000 1 11A-12 >20000 111A-13 >20000 1 11A-14 8.1 64 3 230 77 3 11A-15 9.4 69 3 94 92 3 11A-1611 71 4 410 75 3 11A-17 11 65 2 380 96 3 11A-18 14 80 3 270 92 1 11A-1915 83 3 230 110 3 11A-20 15 83 4 270 88 3 11A-21 18 82 4 270 83 3 11A-2221 82 6 200 81 3 11A-23 25 78 3 330 96 3 11A-24 28 80 3 450 89 3 11A-2530 77 3 360 89 3 11A-26 36 73 3 1100 79 3 11A-27 44 72 3 490 98 2 11A-2854 77 3 1200 82 3 11A-29 55 71 3 1700 99 3 11A-30 56 81 8 590 85 411A-31 72 76 3 1500 81 3 11A-32 87 83 3 3100 110 3 11A-33 96 86 6 140094 4 11A-34 110 70 5 3500 95 3 11A-35 110 74 6 2700 96 4 11A-36 110 79 62200 89 4 11A-37 120 93 3 1300 96 3 11A-38 120 80 6 1500 92 4 11A-39 13080 3 11A-40 170 77 3 11A-41 190 74 5 11A-42 190 86 3 11A-43 190 80 53600 93 3 11A-44 210 77 3 11A-45 290 74 3 11A-46 300 66 3 11A-47 320 793 11A-48 350 71 3 11A-49 380 68 3 11A-50 380 75 3 11A-51 390 69 2 11A-52440 86 3 11A-53 450 71 3 5600 76 3 11A-54 500 69 3 11A-55 520 80 311A-56 1100 47 4 11A-57 1100 65 1 11A-58 1100 81 3 11A-59 1400 97 311A-60 1600 80 3 11A-61 1900 79 3 11A-62 2200 87 4 11A-63 2500 71 311A-64 2900 88 3 11A-65 3100 51 3 11A-66 4000 91 3 11A-67 9300 100 311A-68 63 78 3 2000 82 3 11A-69 5.3 76 3 21 84 3 11A-70 0.7 86 4 10 89 611A-71 30 73 4 570 93 8 11A-72 5 82 4 41 77 4 11A-73 150 68 3 5300 80 411A-74 560 72 3 12A-01 >20000 1 12A-02 36 71 3 1600 82 3 12A-03 600 70 312A-04 250 64 4 12A-05 1300 42 3 12A-06 510 64 3 12A-07 37 69 3 1200 833 12A-08 6.1 89 4 150 97 3 12A-09 21 79 3 540 80 3 12A-10 6.9 78 4 17096 3 12A-11 54 81 4 2100 100 3 13A-01 1200 58 3 13A-02 420 81 3 13A-035.2 66 3 120 80 3 13A-04 46 66 4 1400 83 3 14A-01 5.6 80 3 200 89 314A-02 94 78 3 1500 69 3 14A-03 6.3 83 3 110 87 2 14A-04 100 78 3 110075 3 14A-05 28 82 3 350 70 3 14A-06 4.2 69 3 77 75 3 14A-07 1.9 63 3 5575 3 14A-08 19 72 4 380 84 3 14A-09 3.3 73 4 54 81 3 14A-10 12 64 3 27084 3 14A-11 7 65 3 140 71 3 14A-12 1.4 77 7 20 79 3

All patents, patent applications and references referred to herein arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating disease or disordercomprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula II:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each R¹ isindependently F, Cl, —CN, —CH₃, or —CF₃; m is 0 or 1; R² is F; p is 0,or 1; q is 0 or 1; R³ is F, —OH, —CN, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, or—C₃₋₄cycloalkyl, or 2 R³s may together cyclize to form—C₃₋₄spirocycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl,cycloalkyl, or spirocycloalkyl may be substituted as valency allows with0 to 3 F atoms and with 0 to 1 —OH; Y is CH or N; R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl,—C₀₋₃alkylene-C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, —C₀₋₃alkylene-R⁵, or —C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁶,wherein said alkyl may be substituted as valency allows with 0 to 3substituents independently selected from 0 to 3 F atoms and 0 to 1substituent selected from —C₀₋₁alkylene-CN, —C₀₋₁alkylene-OR^(O), and—N(R^(N))₂, and wherein said alkylene and cycloalkyl may beindependently substituted as valency allows with 0 to 2 substituentsindependently selected from 0 to 2 F atoms and 0 to 1 substituentselected from —C₀₋₁alkylene-CN, —C₀₋₁alkylene-OR^(O), and —N(R^(N))₂; R⁵is a 4- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, wherein said heterocycloalkylmay be substituted with 0 to 2 substituents as valency allowsindependently selected from: 0 to 1 oxo (═O), 0 to 1 —CN, 0 to 2 Fatoms, and 0 to 2 substituents independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyland —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may besubstituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency allows independentlyselected from: 0 to 3 F atoms, 0 to 1 —CN, and 0 to 1 —OR^(O); R⁶ is a5- to 6-membered heteroaryl, wherein said heteroaryl may be substitutedwith 0 to 2 substituents as valency allows independently selected from:0 to 2 halogens, 0 to 1 substituent selected from —OR^(O) and—N(R^(N))₂, and 0 to 2 —C₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be substitutedwith 0 to 3 substituents as valency allows independently selected from:0 to 3 F atoms, and 0 to 1 —OR^(O); each R^(O) is independently H, or—C₁₋₃alkyl, wherein C₁₋₃alkyl may be substituted with 0 to 3 F atoms;each R^(N) is independently H, or —C₁₋₃alkyl; Z¹ is CH or N; Z³ is—CR^(Z) or N; and each R^(Z) is independently H, F, Cl, or —CH₃, whereinthe disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of T2DM,pre-diabetes, malnutrition-related diabetes, gestational diabetes,hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hepatic insulin resistance, impairedglucose tolerance, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabeticretinopathy, adipocyte dysfunction, obesity, eating disorders, weightgain from use of other agents, excessive sugar craving, dyslipidemia,hyperinsulinemia, NAFLD, NASH, fibrosis, NASH with fibrosis, cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma, and a cardiovascular disease.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein R³ is —F, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH₂OH, —CF₃, isopropyl, orcyclopropyl.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: R³ is —CH₃; and R⁴ is—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁵, or C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁶.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; R⁵ is a 4- to 5-membered heterocycloalkyl,wherein said heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2substituents as valency allows independently selected from: 0 to 2 Fatoms, and 0 to 1 substituent selected from —OCH₃ and —CH₂OCH₃.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; and the heterocycloalkyl of R⁵is a monovalent radical of

wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituentsas valency allows independently selected from: 0 to 1 oxo (O═), 0 to 1—CN, 0 to 2 F atoms, and 0 to 2 substituents independently selected from—C₁₋₃alkyl and —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl andOC₁₋₃alkyl may be independently substituted with 0 to 3 substituents asvalency allows independently selected from: 0 to 3 F atoms, 0 to 1 —CN,and 0 to 1 —OR^(O).
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; theheterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituentsas valency allows each independently selected from: 0 to 1 —CN, 0 to 2 Fatoms, and 0 to 2 substituents independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyland —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may beindependently substituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency allowseach independently selected from: 0 to 3 F atoms, 0 to 1 —CN, and 0 to 1—OR^(O).
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; and theheterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

and wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 1substituent as valency allows selected from: —CN, F atom, and 0 to 1substituent independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyl and —OC₁₋₃alkyl,wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may be substituted with 0to 3 substituents as valency allows with: 0 to 3 F atoms, 0 to 1 —CN, or0 to 1 —OR^(O).
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; and theheterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

and wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted as valency allowswith 0 to 1 methyl, wherein said methyl may be substituted with 0 to 3 Fatoms.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the disease or disorder isselected from the group consisting of T2DM, obesity, NAFLD, NASH, andNASH with fibrosis, cirrhosis.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein thedisease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of T2DM,obesity, NAFLD, NASH, and NASH with fibrosis, cirrhosis.
 11. A methodfor treating disease or disorder comprising administering to a mammal inneed of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compoundof Formula III:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each R¹ isindependently F, Cl, —CN, —CH₃, or —CF₃; m is 0 or 1; R² is F; p is 0,or 1; R³ is —C₁₋₂alkyl, wherein —C₁₋₂alkyl may be substituted as valencyallows with 0 to 3 F atoms; q is 0 or 1; Y is CH or N; R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl,—C₀₋₃alkylene-C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, —C₀₋₃alkylene-R⁵, or —C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁶,wherein said alkyl may be substituted as valency allows with 0 to 3substituents independently selected from 0 to 3 F atoms and 0 to 1substituent selected from —C₀₋₁alkylene-CN, —C₀₋₁alkylene-OR^(O), and—N(R^(N))₂, and wherein said alkylene and cycloalkyl may beindependently substituted as valency allows with 0 to 2 substituentsindependently selected from 0 to 2 F atoms and 0 to 1 substituentselected from —C₀₋₁alkylene-CN, —C₀₋₁alkylene-OR^(O), and —N(R^(N))₂; R⁵is a 4- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, wherein said heterocycloalkylmay be substituted with 0 to 2 substituents as valency allowsindependently selected from: 0 to 1 oxo (═O), 0 to 1 —CN, 0 to 2 Fatoms, and 0 to 2 substituents independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyland —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may besubstituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency allows independentlyselected from: 0 to 3 F atoms, 0 to 1 —CN, and 0 to 1 —OR^(O); R⁶ is a5- to 6-membered heteroaryl, wherein said heteroaryl may be substitutedwith 0 to 2 substituents as valency allows independently selected from:0 to 2 halogens, 0 to 1 substituent selected from —OR^(O) and—N(R^(N))₂, and 0 to 2 —C₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be substitutedwith 0 to 3 substituents as valency allows independently selected from:0 to 3 F atoms, and 0 to 1 —OR^(O); each R^(O) is independently H, or—C₁₋₃alkyl, wherein C₁₋₃alkyl may be substituted with 0 to 3 F atoms;each R^(N) is independently H, or —C₁₋₃alkyl; Z¹ is CH or N; Z³ is—CR^(Z) or N; and each R^(Z) is independently H, F, C, or —CH₃, whereinthe disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of T2DM,pre-diabetes, malnutrition-related diabetes, gestational diabetes,hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hepatic insulin resistance, impairedglucose tolerance, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabeticretinopathy, adipocyte dysfunction, obesity, eating disorders, weightgain from use of other agents, excessive sugar craving, dyslipidemia,hyperinsulinemia, NAFLD, NASH, fibrosis, NASH with fibrosis, cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma, and a cardiovascular disease.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein: R³ is —CH₃; q is 0 or 1; and R⁴ is —CH₂CH₂OCH₃,C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁵, or C₁₋₃alkylene-R⁶.
 13. The method of claim 11, whereinR⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; and R⁵ is a 4- to 5-membered heterocycloalkyl, whereinsaid heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituents asvalency allows independently selected from: 0 to 2 F atoms, and 0 to 1substituent selected from —OCH₃ and —CH₂OCH₃.
 14. The method of claim11, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; and the heterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is amonovalent radical of

wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituentsas valency allows independently selected from: 0 to 1 oxo (O═), 0 to 1—CN, 0 to 2 F atoms, and 0 to 2 substituents independently selected from—C₁₋₃alkyl and —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl andOC₁₋₃alkyl may be independently substituted with 0 to 3 substituents asvalency allows independently selected from: 0 to 3 F atoms, 0 to 1 —CN,and 0 to 1 —OR^(O).
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵;and the heterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 2 substituentsas valency allows each independently selected from: 0 to 1 —CN, 0 to 2 Fatoms, and 0 to 2 substituents independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyland —OC₁₋₃alkyl, wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may beindependently substituted with 0 to 3 substituents as valency allowseach independently selected from: 0 to 3 F atoms, 0 to 1 —CN, and 0 to 1—OR^(O).
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; and theheterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

and wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted with 0 to 1substituent as valency allows selected from: —CN, F atom, and 0 to 1substituent independently selected from —C₁₋₃alkyl and —OC₁₋₃alkyl,wherein the alkyl of C₁₋₃alkyl and OC₁₋₃alkyl may be substituted with 0to 3 substituents as valency allows with: 0 to 3 F atoms, 0 to 1 —CN, or0 to 1 —OR^(O).
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein R⁴ is —CH₂—R⁵; andthe heterocycloalkyl of R⁵ is a monovalent radical of

and wherein the heterocycloalkyl may be substituted as valency allowswith 0 to 1 methyl, wherein said methyl may be substituted with 0 to 3 Fatoms.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the disease or disorder isselected from the group consisting of T2DM, obesity, NAFLD, NASH, andNASH with fibrosis, cirrhosis.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein thedisease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of T2DM,obesity, NAFLD, NASH, and NASH with fibrosis, cirrhosis.
 20. The methodof claim 17, wherein the disease or disorder is selected from the groupconsisting of T2DM, obesity, NAFLD, NASH, and NASH with fibrosis,cirrhosis.